The points of issue
US W.J. Watt & Co. edition, published 11 May 1910, precedes the UK edition. The UK issue appeared as A Gentleman of Leisure (Alston Rivers, 15 November 1910). Title and precedence are the key points.
Is this the true first?
US edition as The Intrusion of Jimmy is the true first; the UK appeared months later under the different title A Gentleman of Leisure. A precursor novella, The Gem Collector, ran in Ainslee's in December 1909.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Differing titles US versus UK; no book-club issue of note.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Intrusion of Jimmy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US W.J. Watt & Co. edition, published 11 May 1910, precedes the UK edition. The UK issue appeared as A Gentleman of Leisure (Alston Rivers, 15 November 1910). Title and precedence are the key points.
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 edition as The Intrusion of Jimmy is the true first; the UK appeared months later under the different title A Gentleman of Leisure. A precursor novella, The Gem Collector, ran in Ainslee's in December 1909.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Differing titles US versus UK; no book-club issue of note.
I have a first edition of The Intrusion of Jimmy — 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.