The points of issue
First edition with 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1931. Short novel of about 136 pages. Later printings omit the 'First Edition' statement.
Is this the true first?
US first (Harcourt, Brace, 1931). The first UK edition was published by Longmans, Green in 1931 under the title S.S. San Pedro: A Tale of the Sea, with substantial textual differences from the US text.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Reprints omit the stated 'First Edition' line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of S.S. San Pedro a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition with 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1931. Short novel of about 136 pages. Later printings omit the 'First Edition' statement.
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 first (Harcourt, Brace, 1931). The first UK edition was published by Longmans, Green in 1931 under the title S.S. San Pedro: A Tale of the Sea, with substantial textual differences from the US text.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Reprints omit the stated 'First Edition' line.
I have a first edition of S.S. San Pedro — 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.