The points of issue
First printing, George Newnes, London, May 1919 (McIlvaine A22a). Issued in publisher's cloth, not wrappers; the first issue is wine-red cloth, with a later salmon-cloth issue. The first Jeeves book, collecting eight stories (four Jeeves and Bertie, four Reggie Pepper). Scarce.
Is this the true first?
UK Newnes is the true first; there was no separate or simultaneous US edition. Much of the material was later revised into Carry On, Jeeves (1925).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The cloth binding is fragile and often found worn.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of My Man Jeeves a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing, George Newnes, London, May 1919 (McIlvaine A22a). Issued in publisher's cloth, not wrappers; the first issue is wine-red cloth, with a later salmon-cloth issue. The first Jeeves book, collecting eight stories (four Jeeves and Bertie, four Reggie Pepper). Scarce.
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 Newnes is the true first; there was no separate or simultaneous US edition. Much of the material was later revised into Carry On, Jeeves (1925).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The cloth binding is fragile and often found worn.
I have a first edition of My Man 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.