The points of issue
Collins Crime Club, November 1939, under the original (now-retired) title. Copyright page dated 1939 with no later-impression statement. Red cloth, dust jacket with the original title. First-issue ad/title-page state confirms earliest printing.
Is this the true first?
UK Collins Crime Club (Nov 1939) is the true first, under the original title; the US Dodd, Mead first (1940) was issued as 'And Then There Were None.' The UK first under the original title is the true world first and the most valuable; jacketed copies are extremely scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US Dodd, Mead first and all later editions use 'And Then There Were None' / 'Ten Little Indians.' Later Collins impressions state the impression. Confirm by 1939 Collins imprint and absence of impression notice.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of And Then There Were None a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Collins Crime Club, November 1939, under the original (now-retired) title. Copyright page dated 1939 with no later-impression statement. Red cloth, dust jacket with the original title. First-issue ad/title-page state confirms earliest printing.
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. UK Collins Crime Club (Nov 1939) is the true first, under the original title; the US Dodd, Mead first (1940) was issued as 'And Then There Were None.' The UK first under the original title is the true world first and the most valuable; jacketed copies are extremely scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US Dodd, Mead first and all later editions use 'And Then There Were None' / 'Ten Little Indians.' Later Collins impressions state the impression. Confirm by 1939 Collins imprint and absence of impression notice.
I have a first edition of And Then There Were None — 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.