The points of issue
Two near-simultaneous 1928 issues: the ordinary Hogarth trade edition and a signed limited edition of 861 copies (Crosby Gaige, New York, actually precedes by a few days). The trade first has the photographic plates of 'Orlando.' UK Hogarth trade edition in publisher's cloth with jacket.
Is this the true first?
The Crosby Gaige signed limited edition (New York, 1928, 861 copies signed by Woolf) technically precedes the Hogarth London trade edition by a few days, making it the true first issue; the Hogarth edition is the first trade/UK edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Trade reprints lack the limitation page; any unsigned copy without the Hogarth first-issue points and original jacket is a later printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Orlando a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two near-simultaneous 1928 issues: the ordinary Hogarth trade edition and a signed limited edition of 861 copies (Crosby Gaige, New York, actually precedes by a few days). The trade first has the photographic plates of 'Orlando.' UK Hogarth trade edition in publisher's cloth with jacket.
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. The Crosby Gaige signed limited edition (New York, 1928, 861 copies signed by Woolf) technically precedes the Hogarth London trade edition by a few days, making it the true first issue; the Hogarth edition is the first trade/UK edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Trade reprints lack the limitation page; any unsigned copy without the Hogarth first-issue points and original jacket is a later printing.
I have a first edition of Orlando — 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.