The points of issue
First edition, first impression, published by Duckworth, London, in 1931. Travel narrative of Waugh's journey to Abyssinia for the coronation of Haile Selassie and onward through East and Central Africa. Retitled They Were Still Dancing in the United States.
Is this the true first?
UK Duckworth 1931 is the true first. The US edition was published by Farrar & Rinehart in 1932 as They Were Still Dancing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
American edition was retitled They Were Still Dancing. A single dealer listing claims a 1931 US printing, but standard bibliographies record the US first as Farrar & Rinehart 1932; treat any earlier US date with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Remote People a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first impression, published by Duckworth, London, in 1931. Travel narrative of Waugh's journey to Abyssinia for the coronation of Haile Selassie and onward through East and Central Africa. Retitled They Were Still Dancing in the United States.
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 Duckworth 1931 is the true first. The US edition was published by Farrar & Rinehart in 1932 as They Were Still Dancing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
American edition was retitled They Were Still Dancing. A single dealer listing claims a 1931 US printing, but standard bibliographies record the US first as Farrar & Rinehart 1932; treat any earlier US date with caution.
I have a first edition of Remote People — 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.