The points of issue
First edition in book form, James R. Osgood & Co., Boston, 1882 (published October 7, 1882). Octavo, 514 pages, with a blank leaf following page 514 in the first printing. Publisher's green cloth stamped in black and gilt, with ecru endpapers. BAL 9602.
Is this the true first?
US true first, 1882, James R. Osgood & Co., Boston. A separate English (David Douglas, Edinburgh) edition exists; the Boston Osgood is the recognized first and standard first edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Houghton and reprint editions postdate; the genuine first has the 1882 Osgood imprint, the 514-page collation with the terminal blank leaf, and green cloth stamped in black and gilt.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Modern Instance a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition in book form, James R. Osgood & Co., Boston, 1882 (published October 7, 1882). Octavo, 514 pages, with a blank leaf following page 514 in the first printing. Publisher's green cloth stamped in black and gilt, with ecru endpapers. BAL 9602.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US true first, 1882, James R. Osgood & Co., Boston. A separate English (David Douglas, Edinburgh) edition exists; the Boston Osgood is the recognized first and standard first edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Houghton and reprint editions postdate; the genuine first has the 1882 Osgood imprint, the 514-page collation with the terminal blank leaf, and green cloth stamped in black and gilt.
I have a first edition of A Modern Instance — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.