The points of issue
First printing. A Blandings Castle novel. The US Doubleday edition (published 16 October 1952) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (31 October 1952) by about two weeks, making the Doubleday issue the true first.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday is the true first, published 16 October 1952, ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 31 October 1952. The original record had the national precedence reversed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted for the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Pigs Have Wings a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. A Blandings Castle novel. The US Doubleday edition (published 16 October 1952) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (31 October 1952) by about two weeks, making the Doubleday issue the true first.
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 Doubleday is the true first, published 16 October 1952, ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 31 October 1952. The original record had the national precedence reversed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted for the true first.
I have a first edition of Pigs Have Wings — 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.