The points of issue
First printing in green cloth stamped in black with Maugham's Moorish symbol and gilt title; heavier paper than later printings. The first edition includes the Epistle Dedicatory and the text as cut by Heinemann (passages deemed objectionable were removed for this issue).
Is this the true first?
UK William Heinemann is the true first; the US Doran edition followed. This was Maugham's first title from Heinemann.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A later revised edition restores the censored passages from the original manuscript and differs textually; not a book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Mrs. Craddock a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing in green cloth stamped in black with Maugham's Moorish symbol and gilt title; heavier paper than later printings. The first edition includes the Epistle Dedicatory and the text as cut by Heinemann (passages deemed objectionable were removed for this issue).
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 William Heinemann is the true first; the US Doran edition followed. This was Maugham's first title from Heinemann.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A later revised edition restores the censored passages from the original manuscript and differs textually; not a book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Mrs. Craddock — 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.