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First-Edition Identification · Christopher Isherwood

Is My Goodbye to Berlin a First Edition?

The Hogarth Press, 1939

The points of issue

First edition: The Hogarth Press, London, 1939, in oatmeal/textured cloth lettered in red with red top edge, in a dust jacket designed by Humphrey Spender; copyright page without a later-printing notice. Collects six linked pieces including the 'Sally Bowles' material later adapted as Cabaret.

Decode the printer’s key: paste the number line into the decoder.

Is this the true first?

The UK Hogarth Press 1939 edition is the true first. The US Random House 1939 edition was produced from British sheets and follows. The earlier separately issued 'Sally Bowles' (Hogarth, 1937) is a distinct, scarcer precursor.

Telling it from reprints & book-club editions

The US Random House first is a separate, later issue made from British sheets; later printings note impressions. Distinguish from the 1937 'Sally Bowles' pamphlet.

Frequently asked questions

Is my copy of Goodbye to Berlin a first edition?

Look for these first-edition points: First edition: The Hogarth Press, London, 1939, in oatmeal/textured cloth lettered in red with red top edge, in a dust jacket designed by Humphrey Spender; copyright page without a later-printing notice. Collects six linked pieces including the 'Sally Bowles' material later adapted as Cabaret.

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. The UK Hogarth Press 1939 edition is the true first. The US Random House 1939 edition was produced from British sheets and follows. The earlier separately issued 'Sally Bowles' (Hogarth, 1937) is a distinct, scarcer precursor.

Is the book-club edition the same as the first?

The US Random House first is a separate, later issue made from British sheets; later printings note impressions. Distinguish from the 1937 'Sally Bowles' pamphlet.

I have a first edition of Goodbye to Berlin — 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.

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