The points of issue
First printing. Powell's fourth novel, the last of his four pre-war novels issued by Duckworth.
Is this the true first?
London: Duckworth, 1936 is the true first. The first US appearance was in 1952, when Periscope-Holliday (New York) published it with Venusberg in a single volume titled Two Novels: Venusberg and Agents and Patients.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Agents and Patients a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. Powell's fourth novel, the last of his four pre-war novels issued by Duckworth.
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, 1936 is the true first. The first US appearance was in 1952, when Periscope-Holliday (New York) published it with Venusberg in a single volume titled Two Novels: Venusberg and Agents and Patients.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Agents and Patients — 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.