The points of issue
True first is the William Heinemann London edition, published 2 September 1926; a collection of Malayan stories. Preceded the American Doran edition by roughly two weeks.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann (2 September 1926) is the true first, preceding the US George H. Doran edition (17 September 1926).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Casuarina Tree a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the William Heinemann London edition, published 2 September 1926; a collection of Malayan stories. Preceded the American Doran edition by roughly two weeks.
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 Heinemann (2 September 1926) is the true first, preceding the US George H. Doran edition (17 September 1926).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Casuarina Tree — 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.