The points of issue
First printing. The US Doubleday, Doran edition (New York, 30 January 1931) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (20 March 1931).
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday, Doran is the true first (30 January 1931); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed (20 March 1931).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Big Money a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. The US Doubleday, Doran edition (New York, 30 January 1931) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (20 March 1931).
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 Doubleday, Doran is the true first (30 January 1931); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed (20 March 1931).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Big Money — 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.