The points of issue
First edition, first issue, published 15 September 1909; full title Mike: A Public School Story. Marks the first book appearance of Psmith. First issue noted with no date to the title verso and no advertisements, with frontispiece and plates by T.M.R. Whitwell, in green pictorial cloth.
Is this the true first?
UK Adam & Charles Black edition is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue. Later split into two volumes: Mike at Wrykyn and Mike and Psmith (1953); the earlier serial half also appeared as Enter Psmith in 1935.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mike a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first issue, published 15 September 1909; full title Mike: A Public School Story. Marks the first book appearance of Psmith. First issue noted with no date to the title verso and no advertisements, with frontispiece and plates by T.M.R. Whitwell, in green pictorial cloth.
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 Adam & Charles Black edition is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue. Later split into two volumes: Mike at Wrykyn and Mike and Psmith (1953); the earlier serial half also appeared as Enter Psmith in 1935.
I have a first edition of Mike — 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.