The points of issue
First printing. One of Greene's 'entertainments,' an espionage novel set against the Spanish Civil War. Blue cloth, spine titled in red.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the first US edition (Viking) also appeared in 1939.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings appeared later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Confidential Agent a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. One of Greene's 'entertainments,' an espionage novel set against the Spanish Civil War. Blue cloth, spine titled in red.
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 is the true first; the first US edition (Viking) also appeared in 1939.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club printings appeared later.
I have a first edition of The Confidential Agent — 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.