The points of issue
First impression; Powell's first novel, published while he worked at Duckworth. Issued in cloth (commonly pale green); roughly 2,000 copies printed. Scarce in jacket.
Is this the true first?
London: Duckworth, 1931 is the true first. The US edition (Henry Holt, New York) followed in 1932.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Afternoon Men a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First impression; Powell's first novel, published while he worked at Duckworth. Issued in cloth (commonly pale green); roughly 2,000 copies printed. Scarce in jacket.
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. London: Duckworth, 1931 is the true first. The US edition (Henry Holt, New York) followed in 1932.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Afternoon Men — 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.