Cover of another edition of this book. The Joseph 1963 jacket has not been photographed yet.
Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 21 Oct 2026.
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Clavell's first novel appeared first in America, from Little, Brown in 1962. The first British edition was published by Michael Joseph in London in 1963 as a hardback in dust jacket; a library record for a later UK reprint names Michael Joseph, London, 1963 as the original British publication. Look for the Michael Joseph imprint and the 1963 date on the title page and no later impression notice on the copyright page. Later UK reprints, such as the 1999 Flame paperback, are not firsts.
We have not yet confirmed the issue points that tell this first impression from later ones. Until we do, compare your copy's title page and copyright page with the publisher, place and year above: any later printing or edition statement means it is not this one.
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The cover image shows this book but may not be this edition or printing.
Joseph, United Kingdom, in 1963, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 21 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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