The points of issue
London: Chapman & Hall, 1930. The verso of the title leaf carries 'First published 1930' with no later impression statement. Black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First-issue dust jacket priced 7/6 to the spine, with the rear-panel list of titles ending at Jeffery's 'Second Choice'; jackets are scarce.
Is this the true first?
The UK Chapman & Hall edition (1930) is the true first, preceding the US Jonathan Cape & Harrison Smith edition of the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions add an impression or 'reprinted' statement to the title verso.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Vile Bodies a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: London: Chapman & Hall, 1930. The verso of the title leaf carries 'First published 1930' with no later impression statement. Black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First-issue dust jacket priced 7/6 to the spine, with the rear-panel list of titles ending at Jeffery's 'Second Choice'; jackets are scarce.
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 UK Chapman & Hall edition (1930) is the true first, preceding the US Jonathan Cape & Harrison Smith edition of the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions add an impression or 'reprinted' statement to the title verso.
I have a first edition of Vile Bodies — 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.