The points of issue
First edition, Herbert S. Stone & Co., Chicago and New York, 1899 (published April 22, 1899). Publisher's pale green cloth, decoratively stamped in dark green and red, with the spine lettered in red and top edge gilt. The book was condemned on publication and Stone declined further printings, so there was essentially a single printing, making the genuine 1899 issue scarce in any state.
Is this the true first?
US true first, and effectively the only contemporary edition, 1899. Chopin's working title was 'A Solitary Soul'; it was published as 'The Awakening.' There is no competing UK first. The genuine first has the Stone green cloth with red-and-green stamping and gilt top edge.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
All modern reprints postdate by decades, the novel having been largely forgotten until its 1960s revival; the genuine first is the 1899 Herbert S. Stone issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Awakening a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Herbert S. Stone & Co., Chicago and New York, 1899 (published April 22, 1899). Publisher's pale green cloth, decoratively stamped in dark green and red, with the spine lettered in red and top edge gilt. The book was condemned on publication and Stone declined further printings, so there was essentially a single printing, making the genuine 1899 issue scarce in any state.
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 true first, and effectively the only contemporary edition, 1899. Chopin's working title was 'A Solitary Soul'; it was published as 'The Awakening.' There is no competing UK first. The genuine first has the Stone green cloth with red-and-green stamping and gilt top edge.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
All modern reprints postdate by decades, the novel having been largely forgotten until its 1960s revival; the genuine first is the 1899 Herbert S. Stone issue.
I have a first edition of The Awakening — 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.