The points of issue
First printing of Huxley's book on the Bates method of vision improvement (full title The Art of Seeing). Harper & Brothers, New York, 1942, preceding the UK edition by a year.
Is this the true first?
US Harper & Brothers (1942) is the true first, ahead of the UK Chatto & Windus edition of 1943 — reflecting Huxley's residence in California in this period.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue at first publication.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Art of Seeing a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of Huxley's book on the Bates method of vision improvement (full title The Art of Seeing). Harper & Brothers, New York, 1942, preceding the UK edition by a year.
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 Harper & Brothers (1942) is the true first, ahead of the UK Chatto & Windus edition of 1943 — reflecting Huxley's residence in California in this period.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue at first publication.
I have a first edition of The Art of Seeing — 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.