The points of issue
First printing. UK Herbert Jenkins edition (18 January 1957) is the true first, preceding the US Simon & Schuster edition (28 January 1957) by about ten days. Issued in the US under the title The Butler Did It. Title point distinguishes the two markets.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins is the true first, published 18 January 1957, ahead of the US Simon & Schuster issue of 28 January 1957 titled The Butler Did It.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing US/UK titles; no book-club issue noted for the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Something Fishy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. UK Herbert Jenkins edition (18 January 1957) is the true first, preceding the US Simon & Schuster edition (28 January 1957) by about ten days. Issued in the US under the title The Butler Did It. Title point distinguishes the two markets.
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 Herbert Jenkins is the true first, published 18 January 1957, ahead of the US Simon & Schuster issue of 28 January 1957 titled The Butler Did It.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing US/UK titles; no book-club issue noted for the true first.
I have a first edition of Something Fishy — 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.