The points of issue
First published by Methuen and Co. in London on 13 November 1924 (full title Bill the Conqueror: His Invasion of England in the Springtime); the first US edition followed from George H. Doran on 20 February 1925. The UK first edition is in red cloth.
Is this the true first?
The UK Methuen 1924 printing is the true first edition; the US Doran 1925 issue is the first American edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted for the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Bill the Conqueror a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First published by Methuen and Co. in London on 13 November 1924 (full title Bill the Conqueror: His Invasion of England in the Springtime); the first US edition followed from George H. Doran on 20 February 1925. The UK first edition is in red cloth.
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. The UK Methuen 1924 printing is the true first edition; the US Doran 1925 issue is the first American edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted for the true first.
I have a first edition of Bill the Conqueror — 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.