1965 - The Dark of the Sun
1965 - The Dark of the Sun
Embedded Files
William Heinemann published the first British edition, and The Viking Press published the first American edition under the title: THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA.
William Heinemann published the first British edition, and The Viking Press published the first American edition under the title: THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA.
William Heinemann reprinted DARK OF THE SUN numerous times: in 1965 (same year as the first printing), 1972, 1975, 1978, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 for a Uniform Edition.
I own an exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof copy, with original dust jacket (not pictured below). This is an oddity, in that the text is only printed on one side of each page. This is even more scarce since Wilbur signed it for me. This edition was printed on cheap pulp paper, which has yellowed.
I own an exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof copy, with original dust jacket (not pictured below). This is an oddity, in that the text is only printed on one side of each page. This is even more scarce since Wilbur signed it for me. This edition was printed on cheap pulp paper, which has yellowed.
My copies of THE DARK OF THE SUN are pictured below
My copies of THE DARK OF THE SUN are pictured below
Notice the contrast between the two spines, one of which has age-darkened. It is very uncommon to find a copy with bright white "Wilbur Smith" on the spine.
Regarding the copy below, Wilbur told me directly:
Regarding the copy below, Wilbur told me directly:
"Eleanor was Eleanor Tariqua, a bookseller in Salisbury, Rhodesia."
"Eleanor was Eleanor Tariqua, a bookseller in Salisbury, Rhodesia."
The screenshot below was captured from Wilbur's Facebook
The screenshot below was captured from Wilbur's Facebook
By the style of the handwriting, it is possible to ascertain that the copy below was signed in the 1960s, very likely 1965, the year THE DARK OF THE SUN was published. Also, the green ink is a rarity. The original owner wrote "May 1965, Salisbury Rhodesia" inside the front of the book.
By the style of the handwriting, it is possible to ascertain that the copy below was signed in the 1960s, very likely 1965, the year THE DARK OF THE SUN was published. Also, the green ink is a rarity. The original owner wrote "May 1965, Salisbury Rhodesia" inside the front of the book.
Wilbur signed this copy for me
Wilbur signed this copy for me
Below, another copy signed in the same green ink as my copy above, but the copy below is not mine.
Below: A copy that is owned by Nick De Carteret, who was able to meet Wilbur at the farewell party that Macmillan threw for Wilbur at Mossiman's in Belgravia at the time Wilbur was switching to a new publisher, Harper Collins; also, another unique line-signed copy
Below: A copy that is owned by Nick De Carteret, who was able to meet Wilbur at the farewell party that Macmillan threw for Wilbur at Mossiman's in Belgravia at the time Wilbur was switching to a new publisher, Harper Collins; also, another unique line-signed copy
I once owned almost all of the Heinemann printings, but sold off all of the reprints
I have owned and sold a number of signed copies of DARK OF THE SUN. All below are first printings, except the last one designated as a 1984 printing.
Wilbur used a very sloppy signature for a short while, then basically stopped signing books for collectors and fans.
1984 reprint
The Viking Press first edition of THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA was published 1965.
The Viking Press first edition of THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA was published 1965.
The Viking Press never reprinted its first edition or published any later editions, so all copies are first printings of the first edition.
I own 3 copies of THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA, one of which Wilbur signed for me. I used to own 2 signed copies, but sold one of them.
I own 3 copies of THE TRAIN FROM KATANGA, one of which Wilbur signed for me. I used to own 2 signed copies, but sold one of them.
Below are 2 of my copies, and the signature within my signed copy.
Below are 2 of my copies, and the signature within my signed copy.
There are three known variant bindings, as shown below.
There are three known variant bindings, as shown below.
I once owned 2 signed copies but sold the one below to another collector.
I once owned 2 signed copies but sold the one below to another collector.
The illustrated serialization from STAG magazine, May 1965. This is one of only 2 serializations of Wilbur Smith novels, of which I am aware, and the only one that is illustrated within the story.
The illustrated serialization from STAG magazine, May 1965. This is one of only 2 serializations of Wilbur Smith novels, of which I am aware, and the only one that is illustrated within the story.
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