The points of issue
First edition has pictorial paper-covered boards with Nicholson's rabbit and seven Nicholson color plates reproduced by lithography (lustrous color, not halftone). The leaves were printed in Great Britain, with a Printed in Great Britain notation present. Original glassine wrapper or jacket is extremely rare.
Is this the true first?
Issued in 1922 by George H. Doran (US) and William Heinemann (UK) from the same English-printed sheets; both are considered first editions, the US issue distinguished by the addition of George H. Doran to the title page. The lithographic plates distinguish the first printing from later halftone reprints. The author, who later published as Margery Williams Bianco, appears here as Margery Williams.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings reproduce Nicholson's plates by halftone rather than lithography, giving duller color, and use different boards. Any imprint not dated 1922 is a reprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition has pictorial paper-covered boards with Nicholson's rabbit and seven Nicholson color plates reproduced by lithography (lustrous color, not halftone). The leaves were printed in Great Britain, with a Printed in Great Britain notation present. Original glassine wrapper or jacket is extremely rare.
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. Issued in 1922 by George H. Doran (US) and William Heinemann (UK) from the same English-printed sheets; both are considered first editions, the US issue distinguished by the addition of George H. Doran to the title page. The lithographic plates distinguish the first printing from later halftone repr
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings reproduce Nicholson's plates by halftone rather than lithography, giving duller color, and use different boards. Any imprint not dated 1922 is a reprint.
I have a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real — 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.