The points of issue
First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 9 October 1925. A Jeeves short-story collection that includes 'Jeeves Takes Charge.' The US George H. Doran edition followed nearly two years later (7 October 1927) and is the first American edition, not the true first.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins (October 1925) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition appeared in October 1927.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Any book-club issue is a later printing and not the first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Carry On, Jeeves a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 9 October 1925. A Jeeves short-story collection that includes 'Jeeves Takes Charge.' The US George H. Doran edition followed nearly two years later (7 October 1927) and is the first American edition, not the true 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. UK Herbert Jenkins (October 1925) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition appeared in October 1927.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Any book-club issue is a later printing and not the first edition.
I have a first edition of Carry On, Jeeves — 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.