The points of issue
First printing identified by the Little, Brown first-edition statement on the copyright page, with no later-printing notice present. The fifth and final 1930s-40s Mr. Moto novel, published January 1942.
Is this the true first?
US first, Little, Brown, Boston, 1942. First British edition published by Robert Hale, London, in 1943.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and reprints exist; confirm the first-edition statement on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Last Laugh, Mr. Moto a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing identified by the Little, Brown first-edition statement on the copyright page, with no later-printing notice present. The fifth and final 1930s-40s Mr. Moto novel, published January 1942.
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 first, Little, Brown, Boston, 1942. First British edition published by Robert Hale, London, in 1943.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and reprints exist; confirm the first-edition statement on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Last Laugh, Mr. Moto — 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.