The points of issue
First edition, first printing in dark blue cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, 344 pages. Greene's second novel, later suppressed by the author and not reprinted in his lifetime, making the first edition scarce.
Is this the true first?
UK Heinemann is the true first; the US Doubleday, Doran edition follows in 1931. Greene disowned the book.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition was issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Name of Action a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing in dark blue cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, 344 pages. Greene's second novel, later suppressed by the author and not reprinted in his lifetime, making the first edition scarce.
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 is the true first; the US Doubleday, Doran edition follows in 1931. Greene disowned the book.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition was issued.
I have a first edition of The Name of Action — 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.