The points of issue
First printing; Powell's fifth and last pre-war novel and the first not published by Duckworth, after Duckworth rejected it. Issued in russet/brick-red cloth with blue spine titling. Sold fewer than a thousand copies, with many lost early in the war, so scarce.
Is this the true first?
London: Cassell, 1939 is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of What's Become of Waring a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing; Powell's fifth and last pre-war novel and the first not published by Duckworth, after Duckworth rejected it. Issued in russet/brick-red cloth with blue spine titling. Sold fewer than a thousand copies, with many lost early in the war, so 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. London: Cassell, 1939 is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition.
I have a first edition of What's Become of Waring — 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.