The points of issue
William Collins (pre-Crime-Club imprint), 1926. Orange/red cloth. Copyright/title page with 1926 date and no later-impression statement; ad listing of Christie titles ends at her then-current title. Earliest issue confirmed by the advertisement leaf states.
Is this the true first?
UK Collins 1926 is the true first, preceding the US Dodd, Mead 1926. The landmark twist novel; the UK first is the prize.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Collins printings carry impression statements; US Dodd Mead is the separate American first. Club reprints are obviously later by imprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: William Collins (pre-Crime-Club imprint), 1926. Orange/red cloth. Copyright/title page with 1926 date and no later-impression statement; ad listing of Christie titles ends at her then-current title. Earliest issue confirmed by the advertisement leaf states.
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 Collins 1926 is the true first, preceding the US Dodd, Mead 1926. The landmark twist novel; the UK first is the prize.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Collins printings carry impression statements; US Dodd Mead is the separate American first. Club reprints are obviously later by imprint.
I have a first edition of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd — 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.