How to Identify a Dodd, Mead & Company (Red Badge Detective) First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Dodd, Mead generally stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page for firsts; the statement is removed on later printings (standard mid-century practice).
• Red Badge Detective books carry the Red Badge device/colophon; first printing = 'First Edition' stated with no later-printing notice and a price-present jacket.
• Match jacket price and rear-panel ads to first-state points for collected authors.

Notable points & cautions

• Agatha Christie's primary US hardcover publisher for much of her career — Dodd, Mead firsts are the US firsts (distinct from UK Collins Crime Club firsts).
• Book-club reprints (Detective Book Club, Dollar Mystery Guild) of Dodd, Mead titles are common look-alikes; the BCE lacks 'First Edition' and has club tells.
• For Christie and similar, the US Dodd, Mead first usually post-dates the UK Collins first — note 'first US edition,' not world first.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Dodd, Mead & Co., Red Badge Detective (crime imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Dodd, Mead & Company (Red Badge Detective) book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Dodd, Mead generally stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page for firsts; the statement is removed on later printings (standard mid-century practice). Red Badge Detective books carry the Red Badge device/colophon; first printing = 'First Edition' stated with no later-printing notice and a price-present jacket.

Does Dodd, Mead & Company (Red Badge Detective) use a number line?

Red Badge Detective books carry the Red Badge device/colophon; first printing = 'First Edition' stated with no later-printing notice and a price-present jacket.

Is a book-club edition a Dodd, Mead & Company (Red Badge Detective) first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Agatha Christie's primary US hardcover publisher for much of her career — Dodd, Mead firsts are the US firsts (distinct from UK Collins Crime Club firsts).

What era does this cover?

This covers Dodd, Mead & Company (Red Badge Detective) (1930s-1980s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.