Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 22 Oct 2026.
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The Winter King, first of the Warlord Chronicles, was published by Michael Joseph in London on 5 October 1995, the true first; St. Martin's Press followed in the United States in May 1996. The hardback is ISBN 0718137620, x, 434 pages. The jacket shows the Sutton Hoo helmet. Two dealers describe blue boards with metallic spine lettering and maps on the endpapers. Michael Joseph reprinted it, and dealers offer second and third impressions, so check the impression line on the copyright page rather than the date. Penguin's 1996 paperback names Michael Joseph 1995 as the original publication.
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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Joseph, London, in 1995, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 22 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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