The points of issue
First printing of the Methuen edition, London, published 28 April 1927. The US George H. Doran edition followed on 17 June 1927, so the UK Methuen edition is the true first — the original record's suggestion that the US may precede is incorrect. The novel is based on the Bolton/Wodehouse/Kern musical 'Oh, Lady! Lady!!'
Is this the true first?
UK Methuen (28 April 1927) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition (17 June 1927) is the first American edition. Earlier uncertainty about US precedence is resolved in favor of the UK.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No separate book-club issue affects the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Small Bachelor a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Methuen edition, London, published 28 April 1927. The US George H. Doran edition followed on 17 June 1927, so the UK Methuen edition is the true first — the original record's suggestion that the US may precede is incorrect. The novel is based on the Bolton/Wodehouse/Kern musical 'Oh, Lady! Lady!!'
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 Methuen (28 April 1927) is the true first edition; the US Doran edition (17 June 1927) is the first American edition. Earlier uncertainty about US precedence is resolved in favor of the UK.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No separate book-club issue affects the true first.
I have a first edition of The Small Bachelor — 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.