The points of issue
The US George H. Doran edition precedes the UK Heinemann edition (both 1915). The true first issue is identified by the uncorrected misprint "help" for "helped" on page 257, line 4, and by the absence of the Doran colophon/monogram on the copyright page; green cloth blocked in gilt on front board and spine.
Is this the true first?
US Doran 1915 is the true first; the UK Heinemann edition followed the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Numerous later printings and book-club copies exist; confirm the page-257 misprint and the absent Doran monogram before treating a copy as the first issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Of Human Bondage a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US George H. Doran edition precedes the UK Heinemann edition (both 1915). The true first issue is identified by the uncorrected misprint "help" for "helped" on page 257, line 4, and by the absence of the Doran colophon/monogram on the copyright page; green cloth blocked in gilt on front board and spine.
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 Doran 1915 is the true first; the UK Heinemann edition followed the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Numerous later printings and book-club copies exist; confirm the page-257 misprint and the absent Doran monogram before treating a copy as the first issue.
I have a first edition of Of Human Bondage — 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.