The points of issue
First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 27 September 1927. The first Mr. Mulliner collection. The US edition (Doubleday, Doran, 2 March 1928) followed roughly five months later and is the first American edition.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins (September 1927) is the true first edition; the US edition appeared in March 1928 under the Doubleday, Doran imprint.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue affects the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Meet Mr. Mulliner a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 27 September 1927. The first Mr. Mulliner collection. The US edition (Doubleday, Doran, 2 March 1928) followed roughly five months later and is the first American edition.
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 Herbert Jenkins (September 1927) is the true first edition; the US edition appeared in March 1928 under the Doubleday, Doran imprint.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue affects the true first.
I have a first edition of Meet Mr. Mulliner — 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.