The points of issue
First issue has the misprint flees for fleas on page 100, line 17, present in the earliest printings before correction. Copyright page carries the John Day Company imprint with no later-printing reference, in a first-issue jacket.
Is this the true first?
US John Day 1931 is the true first; the flees typo on page 100, line 17 is the defining first-issue point, corrected in later states. The UK Methuen edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Heavily reprinted; book-club and later printings correct the typo and add printing statements. Corrected text plus a printing line means it is not a true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Good Earth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First issue has the misprint flees for fleas on page 100, line 17, present in the earliest printings before correction. Copyright page carries the John Day Company imprint with no later-printing reference, in a first-issue jacket.
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. US John Day 1931 is the true first; the flees typo on page 100, line 17 is the defining first-issue point, corrected in later states. The UK Methuen edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Heavily reprinted; book-club and later printings correct the typo and add printing statements. Corrected text plus a printing line means it is not a true first.
I have a first edition of The Good Earth — 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.