The points of issue
First edition, full title 'Don Fernando: or Variations on Some Spanish Themes', published by Heinemann in 1935 (268 pp.); the US Doubleday, Doran edition (1935, 307 pp.) is designated 'First American'. A reflective work on Spain in the Golden Age.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Doubleday, Doran 'First American' followed in 1935.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A later revised text appeared in the Collected/Heinemann edition (around 1950, described as 'new and completely revised'); the revised text differs from the 1935 first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Don Fernando a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, full title 'Don Fernando: or Variations on Some Spanish Themes', published by Heinemann in 1935 (268 pp.); the US Doubleday, Doran edition (1935, 307 pp.) is designated 'First American'. A reflective work on Spain in the Golden Age.
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; the US Doubleday, Doran 'First American' followed in 1935.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A later revised text appeared in the Collected/Heinemann edition (around 1950, described as 'new and completely revised'); the revised text differs from the 1935 first.
I have a first edition of Don Fernando — 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.