The points of issue
First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 15 April 1926. A collection of golf stories. The US George H. Doran edition (1927) was published under the different title 'Divots' — the title is the distinguishing point.
Is this the true first?
UK Herbert Jenkins (April 1926) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition (1927) was retitled 'Divots.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing US and UK titles distinguish the issues; the UK first precedes the US by about a year.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Heart of a Goof a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Herbert Jenkins edition, London, published 15 April 1926. A collection of golf stories. The US George H. Doran edition (1927) was published under the different title 'Divots' — the title is the distinguishing point.
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 Herbert Jenkins (April 1926) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition (1927) was retitled 'Divots.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing US and UK titles distinguish the issues; the UK first precedes the US by about a year.
I have a first edition of The Heart of a Goof — 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.