The points of issue
First printing of the Jeeves story collection. The US Doubleday, Doran edition (New York, 20 June 1930) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (4 July 1930). The UK edition adds a Wodehouse preface and a dedication not present in the US issue.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday, Doran is the true first (20 June 1930); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed (4 July 1930).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club reprints are later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Very Good, Jeeves a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing of the Jeeves story collection. The US Doubleday, Doran edition (New York, 20 June 1930) precedes the UK Herbert Jenkins edition (4 July 1930). The UK edition adds a Wodehouse preface and a dedication not present in the US issue.
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 (20 June 1930); the UK Herbert Jenkins edition followed (4 July 1930).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club reprints are later.
I have a first edition of Very Good, Jeeves — 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.