The points of issue
First edition with title page dated 1871 (issued December 1871). The decisive first-issue point is that page 21 PRESENTS the misprint 'wade' for 'wabe' in the gloss to the 'Jabberwocky' verse; this was corrected to 'wabe' in later printings. Tenniel illustrations throughout; red cloth gilt. Catalogued as Williams-Madan-Green-Crutch 84.
Is this the true first?
The Macmillan edition dated 1871 (issued 1872) is the true first. The first issue HAS 'wade' for 'wabe' on page 21; the presence of this misprint distinguishes the first issue from later corrected printings.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Macmillan printings correct 'wade' to 'wabe' on page 21.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition with title page dated 1871 (issued December 1871). The decisive first-issue point is that page 21 PRESENTS the misprint 'wade' for 'wabe' in the gloss to the 'Jabberwocky' verse; this was corrected to 'wabe' in later printings. Tenniel illustrations throughout; red cloth gilt. Catalogued as Williams-Madan-Green-Crutch 84.
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 Macmillan edition dated 1871 (issued 1872) is the true first. The first issue HAS 'wade' for 'wabe' on page 21; the presence of this misprint distinguishes the first issue from later corrected printings.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Macmillan printings correct 'wade' to 'wabe' on page 21.
I have a first edition of Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There — 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.