The points of issue
Chapman & Hall London 1945. There was also a small privately-printed 1944 issue of about 50 copies for the author's friends, which technically precedes. The 1945 trade first is in the standard Chapman & Hall cloth; later Waugh revised the text (1960), so the 1945 text is the unrevised first.
Is this the true first?
The privately printed 1944 issue (c. 50 copies) precedes the 1945 trade edition and is the true first; Chapman & Hall 1945 is the first trade/UK edition. Little, Brown Boston 1946 is the first US. The 1960 revised edition is a separate textual state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US Little, Brown 1946 and all reprints carry different imprints/dates; the 1960 revised text is distinct. Book club editions lack the 1945 first-issue points.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Brideshead Revisited a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Chapman & Hall London 1945. There was also a small privately-printed 1944 issue of about 50 copies for the author's friends, which technically precedes. The 1945 trade first is in the standard Chapman & Hall cloth; later Waugh revised the text (1960), so the 1945 text is the unrevised first.
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 privately printed 1944 issue (c. 50 copies) precedes the 1945 trade edition and is the true first; Chapman & Hall 1945 is the first trade/UK edition. Little, Brown Boston 1946 is the first US. The 1960 revised edition is a separate textual state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US Little, Brown 1946 and all reprints carry different imprints/dates; the 1960 revised text is distinct. Book club editions lack the 1945 first-issue points.
I have a first edition of Brideshead Revisited — 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.