The points of issue
First book edition, London 1886. The first-issue points are textual: page 40 line 11 reads 'business'; page 64 line 1 reads 'nine o'clock'; page 101 lines 9-10 read 'Long Islands' (these readings were altered in later printings). The folding map of David Balfour's wanderings is present as a frontispiece and the half-title is present; green cloth gilt. Rear publisher's advertisements bear date codes (such as 5G.4.86 and 5B.4.86) consistent with early 1886 issue.
Is this the true first?
The Cassell London 1886 edition is the true first; the US Scribner edition is secondary. The folding map is part of the book in all copies and is not itself a first-issue point — the textual readings on pages 40, 64, and 101 are the decisive points.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings correct the page 40, 64, and 101 readings and carry differently dated rear advertisements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Kidnapped a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First book edition, London 1886. The first-issue points are textual: page 40 line 11 reads 'business'; page 64 line 1 reads 'nine o'clock'; page 101 lines 9-10 read 'Long Islands' (these readings were altered in later printings). The folding map of David Balfour's wanderings is present as a frontispiece and the half-title is present; green cloth gilt. Rear publisher's advertisements bear date codes (such as 5G.4.86 and 5B.4.86) consistent with early 1886 issue.
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 Cassell London 1886 edition is the true first; the US Scribner edition is secondary. The folding map is part of the book in all copies and is not itself a first-issue point — the textual readings on pages 40, 64, and 101 are the decisive points.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings correct the page 40, 64, and 101 readings and carry differently dated rear advertisements.
I have a first edition of Kidnapped — 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.