The points of issue
First US edition, Doubleday & Co., New York, published 22 August 1946, with illustrations and dust wrapper by Paul Galdone, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 2 June 1947. A Jeeves and Wooster novel.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday is the true first (22 August 1946); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed in June 1947.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Joy in the Morning a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition, Doubleday & Co., New York, published 22 August 1946, with illustrations and dust wrapper by Paul Galdone, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 2 June 1947. A Jeeves and Wooster novel.
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 is the true first (22 August 1946); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed in June 1947.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Joy in the Morning — 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.