First impression
1955At a glance
Points of issue
- Dust jacket, front flapPrinted price on the front flap: 10s. 6d.→ first issue jacket
Another edition's cover
Cover of another edition of this book. The Michael Joseph 1955 jacket has not been photographed yet.
First edition
Hardback
The Chrysalids (1955)
Publisher Michael Joseph
Year 1955
Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 10 Nov 2026.
Market value
What decides the price
- It is the first edition, which is the one collectors want.
- The first printing is told from later ones by 1 point of issue listed below.
- The original dust jacket carries much of the price for a book of this age; its condition matters as much as the book's.
- Condition is graded separately for book and jacket, from Fine down to Poor.
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Sales record
No sales recorded yet
We value a printing from verified sales of that exact printing, and none of the first impression has come to auction in our records so far. The chart and the value by condition appear here as soon as one does.
Pro members with this book on their wantlist are emailed when it sells under their price.
Quick answer
- How do I identify a The Chrysalids first edition?
- Check these points. Dust jacket, front flap: Printed price on the front flap: 10s. 6d. Each point is confirmed by at least two independent sources.
- Who published The Chrysalids first edition?
- Michael Joseph, London, in 1955, in hardback.
How to identify this edition
Michael Joseph published the novel in London in 1955, about 208 pages. Ballantine published it in New York the same year as Re-Birth, and one dealer states the American edition appeared first, so the Michael Joseph book is safely described as the first British edition and the first under this title. It is bound in cloth with gilt lettering on the spine and issued in a dust jacket priced 10s. 6d. on the front flap. Michael Joseph reprinted it, so check the copyright page for a later impression or edition notice.
Printing by printing
Printings and states
Frequently asked questions
How do I identify a The Chrysalids first edition?
Check these points. Dust jacket, front flap: Printed price on the front flap: 10s. 6d. Each point is confirmed by at least two independent sources.
Who published The Chrysalids first edition?
Michael Joseph, London, in 1955, in hardback.
Where these facts come from
- The Chrysalids, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
- Wyndham, The Chrysalids, first edition, Lycanthia Rare Books (lycanthiabooks.com)
- Wyndham, Re-Birth, first edition, Lycanthia Rare Books (lycanthiabooks.com)
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 10 November 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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