The points of issue
First edition, first printing, Chapman & Hall 1961. Third and final volume of the Sword of Honour trilogy. The US edition was retitled The End of the Battle.
Is this the true first?
Chapman & Hall (London) 1961 is the true first. The US Little, Brown edition, retitled The End of the Battle, is generally dated 1962 (some sources cite a late-1961 copyright); the UK edition precedes it regardless.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US edition retitled The End of the Battle; no club issue precedes the UK first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Unconditional Surrender a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing, Chapman & Hall 1961. Third and final volume of the Sword of Honour trilogy. The US edition was retitled The End of the Battle.
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. Chapman & Hall (London) 1961 is the true first. The US Little, Brown edition, retitled The End of the Battle, is generally dated 1962 (some sources cite a late-1961 copyright); the UK edition precedes it regardless.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US edition retitled The End of the Battle; no club issue precedes the UK first.
I have a first edition of Unconditional Surrender — 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.