1977 - A Sparrow Falls

William Heinemann published the first British edition, and Doubleday published the first American edition.

William Heinemann reprinted A SPARROW FALLS only once: in 1988 for the Uniform Edition.

I own two different exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof copies.

One is in plain yellow wrappers with an original DJ. The book is shorter than the DJ because it is just the textblock bound in wrappers instead of boards.

The other copy is without DJ, and labeled

I own 4 copies of the first printing of the British first edition, and the nicest one is pictured below. Wilbur signed 3 of my copies.

The very copy that Wilbur gifted to his mother-in-law is now in my collection. "Mom" is Danielle's mother.

I have not seen another signed copy where Wilbur included a date, making this copy even more rare that it already is.

The signature in one of my copies

I found the signed copy below on eBay, but it is not in my collection

Heinemann issued two different DJs for the first printing of its first edition. The earliest DJ is priced at £4.75 net, while the later variant issue of the DJ is priced at £4.90 net.

I own both variants, shown below.

It is very difficult to find copies with dust jacket spine in the original bright unfaded color. Below is an example of a copy with a faded spine (not in my collection)

I have owned and sold a couple of signed copies of A SPARROW FALLS. All below are first printings.


Doubleday published its first edition in 1978

Doubleday reprinted its first edition so not all copies are first printings of the first edition.

The copyright page has to state 'First Edition in the United States of America'

I own a copy of the exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof

Note its extra-tall height

I now own only 2 copies of the American first edition

Wilbur signed 1 of my copies, which is pictured below

Because the dust jacket is predominantly black, it is extremely rare to find one that does not show significant wear and tear.

I once owned the signed first edition that is shown below

Many copy has been remainder-sprayed by Doubleday. It is tough to find a copy in collectible condition that has not been remaindered. My copy is in extraordinary condition, barring being remaindered. Remainder spray on the bottom page edges of books is shown below, with THE SUNBIRD in the middle without remainder spray.