1979 - Wild Justice
William Heinemann published the first British edition, and Doubleday published the first American edition under a new title: THE DELTA DECISION.
William Heinemann reprinted WILD JUSTICE a few times: in 1979, 1984, 1986, and 1989 for a Uniform Edition.
I own 7 copies of the first printing of the British first edition, and 5 of them are pictured below. Wilbur signed 6 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
I have owned and sold a few signed copies of WILD JUSTICE. The copies below are first printings.
Doubleday published its first edition of THE DELTA DECISION in 1981
I own an exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof copy
I have never found a copy of THE DELTA DECISION that has on its copyright page any statement to the effect that it is a first edition. Nothing like 'First Edition in the United States of America' found in earlier Wilbur Smith Doubleday editions, such as A SPARROW FALLS or EAGLE IN THE SKY, appears on the copyright page for THE DELTA DECISION.
Not even the Uncorrected Proof has any mention on its copyright page that it is a first edition.
Doubleday issued its first edition in three different variants: one with the price on the top of the front flap of the DJ, one with the price on the bottom, and one without any price. Due to the fact that earlier Wilbur Smith titles published by Doubleday have the price on the top of the DJ flap, it is nearly certain that the other two variant DJs are not the first edition DJs.
Since all the books appear to be identical, I have not been able to distinguish between a first edition and a later printing.
I own 3 copies of the American first edition
Wilbur signed 1 of my copies
