The points of issue
First printing in original blue-grey canvas cloth, black spine titling; full UK title and subtitle 'Robbery Under Law: The Mexican Object-Lesson'. Travel/politics on the Cardenas-era nationalization and persecution of Catholics in Mexico.
Is this the true first?
London Chapman & Hall is the true first (published June 1939). The first American edition followed from Little, Brown (Boston, 1939) under the changed title 'Mexico: An Object Lesson'.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
US edition retitled 'Mexico: An Object Lesson' (Little, Brown). A Catholic Book Club reprint appeared in 1940.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Robbery Under Law a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing in original blue-grey canvas cloth, black spine titling; full UK title and subtitle 'Robbery Under Law: The Mexican Object-Lesson'. Travel/politics on the Cardenas-era nationalization and persecution of Catholics in Mexico.
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. London Chapman & Hall is the true first (published June 1939). The first American edition followed from Little, Brown (Boston, 1939) under the changed title 'Mexico: An Object Lesson'.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
US edition retitled 'Mexico: An Object Lesson' (Little, Brown). A Catholic Book Club reprint appeared in 1940.
I have a first edition of Robbery Under Law — 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.