Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 16 Oct 2026.
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Five on a Treasure Island, the first Famous Five book, was published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1942 with illustrations and a pictorial jacket by Eileen Soper. Wartime first editions of children's books were read hard, so copies in their original jacket are scarce.
What to check:
The jacket is where most of the value lies, and also where most of the risk is. First editions are often married to jackets from later printings, or to photocopied facsimile jackets, and dealers price those copies at a fraction of a first in its own jacket. Ask whether the jacket is original and from the first printing, and look for the price on the front flap.
We have not yet confirmed how Hodder & Stoughton marked later impressions of this title, or the price printed on the first jacket, so check the copyright page carefully and compare against a known first before paying a premium. The Enid Blyton Society's resources are the best place to confirm the details.
Condition matters as much as edition. Wartime paper browns and the cloth rubs, and a bright jacket spine is uncommon.
Sources: Jonkers and John Atkinson Books.
Traps and later printings: First editions are often married to later jackets or photocopied facsimile jackets, which sell for far less.
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Price history coming soon
Recorded sales of this printing appear here as we verify them.
Check these points. Jacket: Pictorial design by Eileen Soper. Each point is confirmed by at least two independent sources.
Hodder & Stoughton, London, in 1942, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 16 October 2026.
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