The points of issue
First edition of Maugham's last novel, published by William Heinemann (UK) in 1948 (256 pp.), preceding the US Doubleday edition (vii, 275 pp.) by about two months.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first, issued roughly two months before the US Doubleday edition of 1948.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted for the first appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Catalina a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition of Maugham's last novel, published by William Heinemann (UK) in 1948 (256 pp.), preceding the US Doubleday edition (vii, 275 pp.) by about two months.
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 Heinemann is the true first, issued roughly two months before the US Doubleday edition of 1948.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted for the first appearance.
I have a first edition of Catalina — 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.