The points of issue
First UK edition, Herbert Jenkins, London, published 26 April 1940, preceding the US Doubleday Doran edition of 10 May 1940. A collection of Drones Club, Mr Mulliner and Ukridge stories; the US edition carries somewhat different contents.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins is the true first (26 April 1940); the US Doubleday Doran edition followed in May 1940, not 1941 as some dealers list.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Eggs, Beans and Crumpets a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Herbert Jenkins, London, published 26 April 1940, preceding the US Doubleday Doran edition of 10 May 1940. A collection of Drones Club, Mr Mulliner and Ukridge stories; the US edition carries somewhat different contents.
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 is the true first (26 April 1940); the US Doubleday Doran edition followed in May 1940, not 1941 as some dealers list.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Eggs, Beans and Crumpets — 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.