The points of issue
US Scribner first, 1926: the first-printing point for a Scribner book of this date is the Scribner seal on the copyright page together with the 1926 date matching the title page and no indication of a later printing. There is no 'A' on a genuine 1926 first. The first Philo Vance novel and a Haycraft-Queen cornerstone, in publisher's cloth.
Is this the true first?
The US Scribner 1926 is the true first. The UK Ernest Benn edition that followed is a first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A later year on the copyright or title page, or the presence of an 'A' (Scribner did not adopt the 'A' first-edition marker until 1930), indicates a later printing. Grosset & Dunlap reprints are common inexpensive reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Benson Murder Case a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Scribner first, 1926: the first-printing point for a Scribner book of this date is the Scribner seal on the copyright page together with the 1926 date matching the title page and no indication of a later printing. There is no 'A' on a genuine 1926 first. The first Philo Vance novel and a Haycraft-Queen cornerstone, in publisher's 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 US Scribner 1926 is the true first. The UK Ernest Benn edition that followed is a first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A later year on the copyright or title page, or the presence of an 'A' (Scribner did not adopt the 'A' first-edition marker until 1930), indicates a later printing. Grosset & Dunlap reprints are common inexpensive reprints.
I have a first edition of The Benson Murder Case — 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.