The points of issue
First printing of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition under the title Barmy in Wonderland (21 April 1952). The US Doubleday edition was published as Angel Cake (8 May 1952) — a title point distinguishing the two issues. UK Jenkins precedes.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins is the true first, published as Barmy in Wonderland; the US Doubleday edition appeared shortly after as Angel Cake.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing US and UK titles (Barmy in Wonderland vs Angel Cake); no book-club issue affecting the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Barmy in Wonderland a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition under the title Barmy in Wonderland (21 April 1952). The US Doubleday edition was published as Angel Cake (8 May 1952) — a title point distinguishing the two issues. UK Jenkins precedes.
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 Herbert Jenkins is the true first, published as Barmy in Wonderland; the US Doubleday edition appeared shortly after as Angel Cake.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing US and UK titles (Barmy in Wonderland vs Angel Cake); no book-club issue affecting the true first.
I have a first edition of Barmy in Wonderland — 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.