The points of issue
First printing in original cloth and dust jacket. The UK Herbert Jenkins and US Doubleday, Doran editions were published simultaneously, both on 17 August 1932, so neither has clear precedence over the other; the two are textually distinct because of differing editorial intervention. Collectors generally treat each as a first edition of its respective issue rather than asserting one true first.
Is this the true first?
Simultaneous UK and US publication on 17 August 1932 (Jenkins and Doubleday, Doran). No single true first by date; identify each by publisher imprint on the title page and verso.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Hot Water a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing in original cloth and dust jacket. The UK Herbert Jenkins and US Doubleday, Doran editions were published simultaneously, both on 17 August 1932, so neither has clear precedence over the other; the two are textually distinct because of differing editorial intervention. Collectors generally treat each as a first edition of its respective issue rather than asserting one true first.
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. Simultaneous UK and US publication on 17 August 1932 (Jenkins and Doubleday, Doran). No single true first by date; identify each by publisher imprint on the title page and verso.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Hot Water — 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.