The points of issue
London: Victor Gollancz, 1933. Orwell's first book and the first use of the 'George Orwell' pseudonym. Published 9 January 1933 in a first impression of 1,500 copies (followed within the month by a second impression of 500 and a third of 1,000). Cloth binding lettered on the spine; the dust jacket is notably scarce.
Is this the true first?
The UK Gollancz edition (January 1933) is the true first, preceding the US Harper & Brothers edition (1933), which differs textually in places.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Second and third impressions, both also dated 1933, carry impression statements; jacketed first impressions are rare.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Down and Out in Paris and London a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Victor Gollancz, 1933. Orwell's first book and the first use of the 'George Orwell' pseudonym. Published 9 January 1933 in a first impression of 1,500 copies (followed within the month by a second impression of 500 and a third of 1,000). Cloth binding lettered on the spine; the dust jacket is notably scarce.
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 UK Gollancz edition (January 1933) is the true first, preceding the US Harper & Brothers edition (1933), which differs textually in places.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Second and third impressions, both also dated 1933, carry impression statements; jacketed first impressions are rare.
I have a first edition of Down and Out in Paris and London — 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.