The points of issue
True first is the New York George H. Doran edition, issued September 1921 (3000 copies), preceding the English edition. Identified by the publisher's GHD monogram on both the title and copyright pages; this device was first used on a Maugham book here, and later impressions lack it. Contains the story 'Rain' (Miss Thompson).
Is this the true first?
US Doran (New York, September 1921) is the true first; the UK Heinemann edition followed in October 1921 and was bound from American sheets. The GHD monogram is the key identifying point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Trembling of a Leaf a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the New York George H. Doran edition, issued September 1921 (3000 copies), preceding the English edition. Identified by the publisher's GHD monogram on both the title and copyright pages; this device was first used on a Maugham book here, and later impressions lack it. Contains the story 'Rain' (Miss Thompson).
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. US Doran (New York, September 1921) is the true first; the UK Heinemann edition followed in October 1921 and was bound from American sheets. The GHD monogram is the key identifying point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Trembling of a Leaf — 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.