The points of issue
US first in book form, 2 volumes, John P. Jewett & Co., Boston, 1852 (after serialization in the National Era), published March 20, 1852 (BAL 19343). Verified first-issue textual points: 'spilt' (later corrected to 'spiled') in Volume I, page 42, and 'cathecism' (later corrected to 'catechism') in Volume II, page 74. Issued in several binding forms, cloth in black, purple, brown, and others, plus a gilt 'gift' binding; no binding-color priority. Title pages lack a later printing statement. Any copy whose binding or title page advertises tens or hundreds of thousands of copies sold is a later printing, not the first.
Is this the true first?
US true first, 1852, two volumes, John P. Jewett, Boston. A London edition appeared the same year, but the Jewett Boston issue is the standard first. The earliest issue carries the 'spilt' and 'cathecism' readings; later 1852 printings already advertise large 'sold' figures.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Any copy advertising tens or hundreds of thousands sold is a later printing. The genuine first 2-volume set shows the uncorrected 'spilt' (Vol. I, p.42) and 'cathecism' (Vol. II, p.74) readings.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US first in book form, 2 volumes, John P. Jewett & Co., Boston, 1852 (after serialization in the National Era), published March 20, 1852 (BAL 19343). Verified first-issue textual points: 'spilt' (later corrected to 'spiled') in Volume I, page 42, and 'cathecism' (later corrected to 'catechism') in Volume II, page 74. Issued in several binding forms, cloth in black, purple, brown, and others, plus a gilt 'gift' binding; no binding-color priority. Title pages lack a later printing statement. Any copy whose binding or title page advertises tens or hundreds of
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 true first, 1852, two volumes, John P. Jewett, Boston. A London edition appeared the same year, but the Jewett Boston issue is the standard first. The earliest issue carries the 'spilt' and 'cathecism' readings; later 1852 printings already advertise large 'sold' figures.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Any copy advertising tens or hundreds of thousands sold is a later printing. The genuine first 2-volume set shows the uncorrected 'spilt' (Vol. I, p.42) and 'cathecism' (Vol. II, p.74) readings.
I have a first edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly — 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.