The points of issue
London: Chapman & Hall, 1938. 'First published 1938' on the title verso. Black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First-state text has 'as' as the last word on page 88. The dust jacket exists in two first-impression states: the trompe-l'oeil newspaper masthead originally read in part 'aily Beas' (echoing the Daily Express); after Lord Beaverbrook objected, the masthead was restruck blank.
Is this the true first?
The UK Chapman & Hall edition (1938) precedes the US Little, Brown edition (1938).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add an impression statement to the title verso.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Scoop a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Chapman & Hall, 1938. 'First published 1938' on the title verso. Black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First-state text has 'as' as the last word on page 88. The dust jacket exists in two first-impression states: the trompe-l'oeil newspaper masthead originally read in part 'aily Beas' (echoing the Daily Express); after Lord Beaverbrook objected, the masthead was restruck blank.
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 UK Chapman & Hall edition (1938) precedes the US Little, Brown edition (1938).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add an impression statement to the title verso.
I have a first edition of Scoop — 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.