The points of issue
First book edition, October 1890, after the February 1890 appearance in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine as 'The Sign of the Four'. Decisive first-state points: on the Contents leaf (p.[iii]) the figure reads '13' for '138' (incomplete numeral); on page 56, line 16, 'wished' is misprinted 'w shed'; the binding is stamped 'Spencer Blackett's Standard Library'; frontispiece after Charles Kerr; red cloth with black decorative border and gilt.
Is this the true first?
True first appearance = Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, February 1890 (titled 'The Sign of the Four'). First book edition = Spencer Blackett 1890 (titled 'The Sign of Four'), with the '13'-for-'138' Contents point and the 'w shed'-for-'wished' point on page 56.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later issues and reprints correct the '13'/'138' and 'w shed' errors.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sign of Four a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First book edition, October 1890, after the February 1890 appearance in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine as 'The Sign of the Four'. Decisive first-state points: on the Contents leaf (p.[iii]) the figure reads '13' for '138' (incomplete numeral); on page 56, line 16, 'wished' is misprinted 'w shed'; the binding is stamped 'Spencer Blackett's Standard Library'; frontispiece after Charles Kerr; red cloth with black decorative border and gilt.
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. True first appearance = Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, February 1890 (titled 'The Sign of the Four'). First book edition = Spencer Blackett 1890 (titled 'The Sign of Four'), with the '13'-for-'138' Contents point and the 'w shed'-for-'wished' point on page 56.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later issues and reprints correct the '13'/'138' and 'w shed' errors.
I have a first edition of The Sign of Four — 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.