The points of issue
The US Doubleday, Doran edition, titled 'Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular' (Garden City, 1931), is the true first and precedes the UK Heinemann edition (titled 'First Person Singular') by roughly two weeks. The US first collates x, 299 pp.; the UK Heinemann states 'First Published 1931'. The collection contains six stories: Virtue, The Round Dozen, The Human Element, Jane, The Alien Corn, and The Creative Impulse.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday, Doran precedes UK Heinemann by about two weeks, making the American edition the true first. Note the US title differs: 'Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular'.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of First Person Singular a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US Doubleday, Doran edition, titled 'Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular' (Garden City, 1931), is the true first and precedes the UK Heinemann edition (titled 'First Person Singular') by roughly two weeks. The US first collates x, 299 pp.; the UK Heinemann states 'First Published 1931'. The collection contains six stories: Virtue, The Round Dozen, The Human Element, Jane, The Alien Corn, and The Creative Impulse.
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. US Doubleday, Doran precedes UK Heinemann by about two weeks, making the American edition the true first. Note the US title differs: 'Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular'.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of First Person Singular — 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.