The points of issue
First printing. Powell's second novel, published by Duckworth where he then worked.
Is this the true first?
London: Duckworth, 1932 is the true first. No US edition appeared until 1952, when Periscope-Holliday (New York) issued it together with Agents and Patients in a single volume titled Two Novels: Venusberg and Agents and Patients.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Venusberg a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing. Powell's second novel, published by Duckworth where he then worked.
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. London: Duckworth, 1932 is the true first. No US edition appeared until 1952, when Periscope-Holliday (New York) issued it together with Agents and Patients in a single volume titled Two Novels: Venusberg and Agents and Patients.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of Venusberg — 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.