The points of issue
UK Victor Gollancz first edition, London, 1935, in black cloth with the characteristic Gollancz yellow printed dust jacket in black and red typographic design. A cornerstone Wimsey and Harriet Vane novel. The first printing shows no later-impression line on the copyright page. The fragile Gollancz jacket of this period rarely survives, so a first in jacket is genuinely scarce.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz 1935 is the true first and precedes the US Harcourt, Brace edition of 1936.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Harcourt US edition is a first-thus. Book-club and later Gollancz impressions are stated as such on the verso of the title leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gaudy Night a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Victor Gollancz first edition, London, 1935, in black cloth with the characteristic Gollancz yellow printed dust jacket in black and red typographic design. A cornerstone Wimsey and Harriet Vane novel. The first printing shows no later-impression line on the copyright page. The fragile Gollancz jacket of this period rarely survives, so a first in jacket is genuinely 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. UK Gollancz 1935 is the true first and precedes the US Harcourt, Brace edition of 1936.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Harcourt US edition is a first-thus. Book-club and later Gollancz impressions are stated as such on the verso of the title leaf.
I have a first edition of Gaudy Night — 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.