The points of issue
First UK edition, London, Barrie & Jenkins, 15 October 1971, issued to mark Wodehouse's 90th birthday. The US edition appeared the same day, 15 October 1971, from Simon & Schuster under the title Jeeves and the Tie That Binds.
Is this the true first?
UK and US editions were published simultaneously on 15 October 1971, so neither has clear date precedence over the other; collectors generally regard each as the first of its own text. The two editions also differ textually: the US Jeeves and the Tie That Binds carries a slightly different, expanded ending. The UK edition is the first appearance under the Much Obliged, Jeeves title.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US and UK appeared under different titles with differing endings; treat them as parallel firsts rather than one preceding the other.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Much Obliged, Jeeves a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, London, Barrie & Jenkins, 15 October 1971, issued to mark Wodehouse's 90th birthday. The US edition appeared the same day, 15 October 1971, from Simon & Schuster under the title Jeeves and the Tie That Binds.
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 and US editions were published simultaneously on 15 October 1971, so neither has clear date precedence over the other; collectors generally regard each as the first of its own text. The two editions also differ textually: the US Jeeves and the Tie That Binds carries a slightly different, expanded
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US and UK appeared under different titles with differing endings; treat them as parallel firsts rather than one preceding the other.
I have a first edition of Much Obliged, Jeeves — 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.