The points of issue
First impression published 20 October 1949, about 4,500 copies in the trade binding; illustrated by Pauline Baynes with two inserted color plates and drawings in the text. Orange decorated paper boards with an embossed dragon design, stamped in light blue on front and spine, top edge stained gray, decorated endpapers; no later-impression statement. First-impression dust jacket by Baynes priced 6s net.
Is this the true first?
UK Allen & Unwin is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition followed in 1950.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later reprints and combined volumes containing the tale alongside other works are not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Farmer Giles of Ham a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First impression published 20 October 1949, about 4,500 copies in the trade binding; illustrated by Pauline Baynes with two inserted color plates and drawings in the text. Orange decorated paper boards with an embossed dragon design, stamped in light blue on front and spine, top edge stained gray, decorated endpapers; no later-impression statement. First-impression dust jacket by Baynes priced 6s net.
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 Allen & Unwin is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition followed in 1950.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later reprints and combined volumes containing the tale alongside other works are not firsts.
I have a first edition of Farmer Giles of Ham — 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.