The points of issue
First edition published by Leonard and Virginia Woolf at the Hogarth Press, London, 1932, in an edition of 1,222 copies. The dust jacket was designed by John Banting and priced 7/6. Binding states are recorded (an early state in pink woven linen and a later state in ochre cloth lettered in blue).
Is this the true first?
The Hogarth Press London edition of 1932 is the true first. The first US edition was published later by New Directions (Norfolk, Connecticut) and does not precede the UK printing.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Memorial a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published by Leonard and Virginia Woolf at the Hogarth Press, London, 1932, in an edition of 1,222 copies. The dust jacket was designed by John Banting and priced 7/6. Binding states are recorded (an early state in pink woven linen and a later state in ochre cloth lettered in blue).
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 Hogarth Press London edition of 1932 is the true first. The first US edition was published later by New Directions (Norfolk, Connecticut) and does not precede the UK printing.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Memorial — 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.