The points of issue
True first is the New York George H. Doran edition, issued 20 March 1925. The first issue carries the imaginary colony name 'Tching-Yen' (e.g. on page 16); a later issue substitutes 'Hong-Kong' and adds a publisher's device and a small letter on the copyright page. The name change stems from libel threats over the original Hong Kong setting.
Is this the true first?
US Doran (20 March 1925) precedes the UK Heinemann edition (23 April 1925). The libel-driven place-name was most disruptive to the English edition, which required cancels and a reissue; for the American first, the 'Tching-Yen' reading marks the earlier issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later issues read 'Hong-Kong' in place of 'Tching-Yen' and add a copyright-page device and letter.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Painted Veil a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the New York George H. Doran edition, issued 20 March 1925. The first issue carries the imaginary colony name 'Tching-Yen' (e.g. on page 16); a later issue substitutes 'Hong-Kong' and adds a publisher's device and a small letter on the copyright page. The name change stems from libel threats over the original Hong Kong setting.
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. US Doran (20 March 1925) precedes the UK Heinemann edition (23 April 1925). The libel-driven place-name was most disruptive to the English edition, which required cancels and a reissue; for the American first, the 'Tching-Yen' reading marks the earlier issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later issues read 'Hong-Kong' in place of 'Tching-Yen' and add a copyright-page device and letter.
I have a first edition of The Painted Veil — 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.