The points of issue
London: William Heinemann, 1929. Greene's first published novel, in an initial run of about 2,500 copies. Original BLACK cloth (not blue) with a blind-stamped border and publisher's device to the boards, spine lettered in gilt; 'First published 1929' on the copyright page with no later-impression statement. The correct first-issue dust jacket is priced 7s 6d net to the spine and carries the Oliver Onions 'Painted Face' review on the rear flap.
Is this the true first?
The UK Heinemann edition of 1929 is the true first; the US Doubleday Doran edition (1929) follows. Greene later suppressed his earlier book of verse, so this is the first book he acknowledged.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No US book-club issue of note; identify reprints by added impression statements on the copyright page and by jackets lacking the correct 7s 6d price and the Onions review blurb.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Man Within a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: William Heinemann, 1929. Greene's first published novel, in an initial run of about 2,500 copies. Original BLACK cloth (not blue) with a blind-stamped border and publisher's device to the boards, spine lettered in gilt; 'First published 1929' on the copyright page with no later-impression statement. The correct first-issue dust jacket is priced 7s 6d net to the spine and carries the Oliver Onions 'Painted Face' review on the rear flap.
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 UK Heinemann edition of 1929 is the true first; the US Doubleday Doran edition (1929) follows. Greene later suppressed his earlier book of verse, so this is the first book he acknowledged.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No US book-club issue of note; identify reprints by added impression statements on the copyright page and by jackets lacking the correct 7s 6d price and the Onions review blurb.
I have a first edition of The Man Within — 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.