The points of issue
First US edition, Doubleday Doran, New York, published 18 August 1939, one week ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 25 August 1939. The first Uncle Fred novel and a Blandings Castle story.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday Doran is the true first; the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed a week later in 1939.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Uncle Fred in the Springtime a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition, Doubleday Doran, New York, published 18 August 1939, one week ahead of the UK Herbert Jenkins edition of 25 August 1939. The first Uncle Fred novel and a Blandings Castle story.
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 Doubleday Doran is the true first; the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed a week later in 1939.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Uncle Fred in the Springtime — 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.