The points of issue
First printing of the spy novel, London 1966. The UK Heinemann edition is the priority issue; the US W. W. Norton edition, also 1966, adds the subtitle 'An Eschatological Spy Novel' on its jacket, which does not appear on the UK first edition's title page or jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1966 with the added subtitle.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tremor of Intent a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the spy novel, London 1966. The UK Heinemann edition is the priority issue; the US W. W. Norton edition, also 1966, adds the subtitle 'An Eschatological Spy Novel' on its jacket, which does not appear on the UK first edition's title page or jacket.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Norton edition followed in 1966 with the added subtitle.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Tremor of Intent — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.