The points of issue
Short-story collection of five stories including 'The Gioconda Smile'. UK Chatto & Windus 1922 precedes the US George H. Doran edition of 1922.
Is this the true first?
UK Chatto & Windus 1922 is the true first; US George H. Doran 1922 follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mortal Coils a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Short-story collection of five stories including 'The Gioconda Smile'. UK Chatto & Windus 1922 precedes the US George H. Doran edition of 1922.
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 Chatto & Windus 1922 is the true first; US George H. Doran 1922 follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Mortal Coils — 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.