The points of issue
The American first edition was issued serially in seven paper-wrappered parts (Nos. I–VII) printed by C. S. Van Winkle, New York, 1819–1820, with Part I dated 1819 and containing 'Rip Van Winkle' (No. VI carries 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'). Genuine parts are in their original printed wrappers. Recorded points include printing points in the first printings of Parts I, VI and VII; a copyright-infringement slip inserted in Part II at page 103; and a reading in Part III at page 240, line 12 (Blanck records two states with no priority established). The London Murray two-volume edition (1820) is the first English book edition.
Is this the true first?
The US true first is the New York Van Winkle part-issue (1819–1820). The London Murray two-volume set (1820) is the first English edition. Complete sets of the original American parts in their wrappers are the earliest and scarcest state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Bound-up later editions and reprints lack the original numbered parts in wrappers; the genuine first is the part-issue with Part I dated 1819.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The American first edition was issued serially in seven paper-wrappered parts (Nos. I–VII) printed by C. S. Van Winkle, New York, 1819–1820, with Part I dated 1819 and containing 'Rip Van Winkle' (No. VI carries 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'). Genuine parts are in their original printed wrappers. Recorded points include printing points in the first printings of Parts I, VI and VII; a copyright-infringement slip inserted in Part II at page 103; and a reading in Part III at page 240, line 12 (Blanck records two states with no priority established). The London
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 US true first is the New York Van Winkle part-issue (1819–1820). The London Murray two-volume set (1820) is the first English edition. Complete sets of the original American parts in their wrappers are the earliest and scarcest state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Bound-up later editions and reprints lack the original numbered parts in wrappers; the genuine first is the part-issue with Part I dated 1819.
I have a first edition of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. — 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.