The points of issue
First edition, first printing, published by Heinemann in 1930 with the subtitle 'A Record of a Journey from Rangoon to Haiphong'. Issued in black cloth blocked in gilt with a dragon design to the front board and a pagoda design to the spine. A travel narrative of Southeast Asia.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Doubleday, Doran edition followed in 1930.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue. A signed limited issue exists alongside the trade edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Gentleman in the Parlour a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing, published by Heinemann in 1930 with the subtitle 'A Record of a Journey from Rangoon to Haiphong'. Issued in black cloth blocked in gilt with a dragon design to the front board and a pagoda design to the spine. A travel narrative of Southeast Asia.
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 US Doubleday, Doran edition followed in 1930.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue. A signed limited issue exists alongside the trade edition.
I have a first edition of The Gentleman in the Parlour — 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.