The points of issue
First printing in original green cloth (Maugham's first novel), with about two thousand copies. The first issue carries 'all rights reserved' in brackets on the verso of the title page and six pages of publisher's advertisements at the rear. Later Colonial-issue sheets were drawn upon for subsequent issues.
Is this the true first?
UK T. Fisher Unwin is the true first; the US edition (Doran) came much later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A revised edition appeared in 1904 with textual changes; not a book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Liza of Lambeth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing in original green cloth (Maugham's first novel), with about two thousand copies. The first issue carries 'all rights reserved' in brackets on the verso of the title page and six pages of publisher's advertisements at the rear. Later Colonial-issue sheets were drawn upon for subsequent issues.
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. UK T. Fisher Unwin is the true first; the US edition (Doran) came much later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A revised edition appeared in 1904 with textual changes; not a book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Liza of Lambeth — 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.