The points of issue
Three volumes, 'A Tale. By Currer Bell', London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1849 (published 26 October 1849). The first edition was issued WITHOUT half-titles. Volume I carries a 16-page advertisement catalogue dated September 1849; volume III ends with a few leaves of notices (including reviews and an advertisement for the third edition of Jane Eyre). References: Sadleir 348; Wise 6; Smith 5; Parrish p. 93. Original cloth.
Is this the true first?
The London Smith, Elder & Co. 1849 three-decker is the true first edition. The Harper & Brothers New York 1850 first American edition is secondary.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later one-volume reprints are not the first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Shirley a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Three volumes, 'A Tale. By Currer Bell', London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1849 (published 26 October 1849). The first edition was issued WITHOUT half-titles. Volume I carries a 16-page advertisement catalogue dated September 1849; volume III ends with a few leaves of notices (including reviews and an advertisement for the third edition of Jane Eyre). References: Sadleir 348; Wise 6; Smith 5; Parrish p. 93. Original cloth.
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 London Smith, Elder & Co. 1849 three-decker is the true first edition. The Harper & Brothers New York 1850 first American edition is secondary.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later one-volume reprints are not the first edition.
I have a first edition of Shirley — 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.