The points of issue
True first is the US Little, Brown printing, with the publisher's dated publication statement on the copyright page and no later-printing notice. This is the first Mr. Moto novel.
Is this the true first?
US Little, Brown edition (1935) is the true first. The British edition, from Robert Hale, appeared later under the title Mr. Moto Takes a Hand. A still later US paperback reissue from Berkley used the title Your Turn, Mr. Moto. Both retitlings postdate the Little, Brown first and are not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and retitled reissues are reprints, not the first edition. Grosset and Dunlap reprints also exist.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of No Hero a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the US Little, Brown printing, with the publisher's dated publication statement on the copyright page and no later-printing notice. This is the first Mr. Moto novel.
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. US Little, Brown edition (1935) is the true first. The British edition, from Robert Hale, appeared later under the title Mr. Moto Takes a Hand. A still later US paperback reissue from Berkley used the title Your Turn, Mr. Moto. Both retitlings postdate the Little, Brown first and are not the true fi
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and retitled reissues are reprints, not the first edition. Grosset and Dunlap reprints also exist.
I have a first edition of No Hero — 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.