The points of issue
TRUE FIRST is the US John Lane Company (New York) edition, October 1920, which PRECEDES the UK Bodley Head edition (January 1921). US first: red cloth, with the publisher's adverts; key point is the US 1920 imprint and first-state ad leaf. Christie's first published book.
Is this the true first?
Major precedence point: the US John Lane edition (1920) precedes the UK John Lane/Bodley Head (1921). Collectors prize the US first as the true world first of Christie's debut; the UK first is a separate, valuable collectible.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
UK 1921 is sometimes mis-described as 'the first.' Distinguish by imprint, date, and country. Later printings carry impression statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Mysterious Affair at Styles a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: TRUE FIRST is the US John Lane Company (New York) edition, October 1920, which PRECEDES the UK Bodley Head edition (January 1921). US first: red cloth, with the publisher's adverts; key point is the US 1920 imprint and first-state ad leaf. Christie's first published book.
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. Major precedence point: the US John Lane edition (1920) precedes the UK John Lane/Bodley Head (1921). Collectors prize the US first as the true world first of Christie's debut; the UK first is a separate, valuable collectible.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
UK 1921 is sometimes mis-described as 'the first.' Distinguish by imprint, date, and country. Later printings carry impression statements.
I have a first edition of The Mysterious Affair at Styles — 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.