The points of issue
First printing. UK Herbert Jenkins edition (20 January 1956) is the true first, preceding the US Simon & Schuster edition (28 September 1959) by over three years.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins is the true first (1956); the US Simon & Schuster edition followed in 1959, with slight textual changes requested by the US editor.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted for the true first; US text was lightly revised.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of French Leave a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. UK Herbert Jenkins edition (20 January 1956) is the true first, preceding the US Simon & Schuster edition (28 September 1959) by over three years.
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 (1956); the US Simon & Schuster edition followed in 1959, with slight textual changes requested by the US editor.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted for the true first; US text was lightly revised.
I have a first edition of French Leave — 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.