The points of issue
UK Methuen first, 1922 on the title page, with no later-impression statement on the verso; blue cloth with gilt spine lettering. Milne's only detective novel and a Haycraft-Queen cornerstone.
Is this the true first?
The UK Methuen 1922 edition precedes the US E. P. Dutton 1922 edition and is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Methuen reprinted heavily; later impressions are stated on the verso. The US Dutton 1922 is the first US, a first-thus rather than the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Red House Mystery a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Methuen first, 1922 on the title page, with no later-impression statement on the verso; blue cloth with gilt spine lettering. Milne's only detective novel and a Haycraft-Queen cornerstone.
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. The UK Methuen 1922 edition precedes the US E. P. Dutton 1922 edition and is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Methuen reprinted heavily; later impressions are stated on the verso. The US Dutton 1922 is the first US, a first-thus rather than the true first.
I have a first edition of The Red House Mystery — 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.