The points of issue
UK first, William Heinemann, London, published 21 October 1926 (first printing of 4,500 copies) — the early Heyer Georgian romance that established her reputation. Identify by the Heinemann imprint, the 1926 date with no later-impression line, and the period binding and dust jacket; jacketed first impressions are very scarce.
Is this the true first?
The UK Heinemann edition is the true first and precedes the US edition. An early, scarce Heyer high spot.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue of consequence; later Heinemann reprints carry impression statements. Within its first decade the title was reprinted nearly thirty times, so reprints are far more common than the 1926 first impression.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of These Old Shades a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK first, William Heinemann, London, published 21 October 1926 (first printing of 4,500 copies) — the early Heyer Georgian romance that established her reputation. Identify by the Heinemann imprint, the 1926 date with no later-impression line, and the period binding and dust jacket; jacketed first impressions are very scarce.
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 UK Heinemann edition is the true first and precedes the US edition. An early, scarce Heyer high spot.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue of consequence; later Heinemann reprints carry impression statements. Within its first decade the title was reprinted nearly thirty times, so reprints are far more common than the 1926 first impression.
I have a first edition of These Old Shades — 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.