The points of issue
First printing. Blandings Castle novel featuring Uncle Fred. Published 15 October 1961 by Simon & Schuster, New York, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 17 August 1962.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster (15 October 1961) is the true first, about ten months ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (17 August 1962).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Service with a Smile a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. Blandings Castle novel featuring Uncle Fred. Published 15 October 1961 by Simon & Schuster, New York, preceding the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 17 August 1962.
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 Simon & Schuster (15 October 1961) is the true first, about ten months ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (17 August 1962).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted.
I have a first edition of Service with a Smile — 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.