The points of issue
True first is the William Heinemann London edition of 1919, in sage/green cloth lettered and decorated in black. The first issue is identified by the publisher's advertisements bound in at the rear (four pages of ads, including titles by Israel Zangwill); later issues alter or omit these ads.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann (April 1919) is the true first, preceding the US George H. Doran edition (1919). Identify the first issue by the rear advertisements rather than any single textual misprint.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue. Later impressions are distinguished by changes to the rear advertisement leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Moon and Sixpence a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the William Heinemann London edition of 1919, in sage/green cloth lettered and decorated in black. The first issue is identified by the publisher's advertisements bound in at the rear (four pages of ads, including titles by Israel Zangwill); later issues alter or omit these ads.
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 Heinemann (April 1919) is the true first, preceding the US George H. Doran edition (1919). Identify the first issue by the rear advertisements rather than any single textual misprint.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue. Later impressions are distinguished by changes to the rear advertisement leaves.
I have a first edition of The Moon and Sixpence — 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.