The points of issue
Huxley's first novel. First edition in original yellow cloth with a green-printed paper title label on the spine, top edge stained green, fore and lower edges untrimmed; 325 pages, printed by Morrison and Gibb, Edinburgh; no later printings stated on the copyright page. UK Chatto & Windus 1921 precedes the US George H. Doran edition of 1922.
Is this the true first?
UK Chatto & Windus 1921 is the true first; US George H. Doran 1922 follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Crome Yellow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Huxley's first novel. First edition in original yellow cloth with a green-printed paper title label on the spine, top edge stained green, fore and lower edges untrimmed; 325 pages, printed by Morrison and Gibb, Edinburgh; no later printings stated on the copyright page. UK Chatto & Windus 1921 precedes the US George H. Doran edition of 1922.
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 Chatto & Windus 1921 is the true first; US George H. Doran 1922 follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Crome Yellow — 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.