1984 - The Leopard Hunts in Darkness
William Heinemann published the first British edition, and Doubleday published the first American edition.
William Heinemann reprinted THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS several times: in 1984 (5 times in the same year as the first printing), 1985, and 1989 for a Uniform Edition.
I own an exceedingly rare Uncorrected Proof copy
I own 3 copies of the first printing of the British first edition. Wilbur signed all 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 in the year of publication, making this copy even more rare that it already is.
The signature within one of my copies
I have owned and sold several signed copies of THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS. All the copies below are first printings.
Doubleday published its first edition in 1984
I own an exceedingly rare copy of the Advance Uncorrected Proofs
The rear cover of the Uncorrected Proof
A page within the Uncorrected Proof
My copy of the Uncorrected Proof has been signed by Wilbur to the half-title-page
The title-page of the Uncorrected Proof. Notice it follows the format of the Heinemann title-pages.
I have never found a copy of THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS 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 LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS.
I own 2 copies of the American first edition
Kroch's & Brentano's of Chicago included the Doubleday first edition as a signed copy especially for members of The First Edition Circle. Every signed copy of the Doubleday first edition that I have ever seen or handled has an extra signed page after the front free end page and before the half-title-page. One of my signed copies also includes an original bookmark.
Here is the rare Filofiction British edition for a binder-planner.
I have owned and sold several signed copies of THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS. All the copies below are first printings.