Things Fall Apart, cover of another edition (the Heinemann 1958 cover is not yet photographed)

Cover of another edition of this book. The Heinemann 1958 jacket has not been photographed yet.

First edition Hardback

Things Fall Apart (1958)

Chinua Achebe · Heinemann, London

Publisher Heinemann Year 1958

Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.

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In short

Quick answer

Who published the Things Fall Apart first edition?
Heinemann, London, in 1958, in hardback.
What decides the price
  • It is the first edition, which is the one collectors want.
  • 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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Identification

How to identify this edition

Published in hardback by William Heinemann, London, on 17 June 1958 in a first printing of about 2,000 copies. The colour pictorial jacket was designed by C. W. Bacon. Heinemann's African Writers Series began in 1962 with this title as its first number, in paperback, so those copies are much later. Check the title page verso for any reprint statement. An uncorrected proof copy has also been sold at auction.

Printing by printing

Printings and states

First impression

1958

At a glance

Not yet researched

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.

Know the points? Tell us. We publish them, with credit, once a second source agrees.

Notes

The cover image shows this book but may not be this edition or printing.

Price history

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Value guide

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Questions collectors ask

Frequently asked questions

Who published the Things Fall Apart first edition?

Heinemann, London, in 1958, in hardback.

Sources

Where these facts come from

Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 20 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.

Related

More first editions by Chinua Achebe

No Longer at EaseHeinemann Educational, 1960Arrow of GodHeinemann, 1964A Man of the PeopleHeinemann, 1966Chike and the RiverUniversity Press, 1966How the Leopard Got His ClawsNwamife, 1972Girls at War and Other StoriesHeinemann Educational, 1972
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