The points of issue
US Viking first, 1965: the copyright page reads 'First published in 1965 by The Viking Press' with no later-printing notice, and the book is printed by the Colonial Press. A Nero Wolfe novel of 186 pages.
Is this the true first?
The US Viking 1965 hardcover is the true first; the UK Collins Crime Club edition (1966) is a later first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Viking book-club issues and Crime Club reprints are later; the Crime Club carries its own colophon.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Doorbell Rang a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Viking first, 1965: the copyright page reads 'First published in 1965 by The Viking Press' with no later-printing notice, and the book is printed by the Colonial Press. A Nero Wolfe novel of 186 pages.
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 Viking 1965 hardcover is the true first; the UK Collins Crime Club edition (1966) is a later first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Viking book-club issues and Crime Club reprints are later; the Crime Club carries its own colophon.
I have a first edition of The Doorbell Rang — 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.