The points of issue
First printing; Wodehouse's first book, a school story set at St. Austin's. Pictorial cloth. Published 18 September 1902. Very scarce.
Is this the true first?
UK A & C Black is the true first (18 September 1902); the US Macmillan edition followed (commonly dated 1924).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue; a key early rarity.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Pothunters a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing; Wodehouse's first book, a school story set at St. Austin's. Pictorial cloth. Published 18 September 1902. Very 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 A & C Black is the true first (18 September 1902); the US Macmillan edition followed (commonly dated 1924).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue; a key early rarity.
I have a first edition of The Pothunters — 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.