The points of issue
First UK edition, Herbert Jenkins, London, published 4 October 1940, preceding the US Doubleday Doran edition of 27 December 1940.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins is the true first (4 October 1940); the US Doubleday Doran edition followed in December 1940.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Quick Service a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First UK edition, Herbert Jenkins, London, published 4 October 1940, preceding the US Doubleday Doran edition of 27 December 1940.
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 Herbert Jenkins is the true first (4 October 1940); the US Doubleday Doran edition followed in December 1940.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Quick Service — 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.