Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026.
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We value a printing from verified sales of that exact printing, and none of the first impression has come to auction in our records so far. The chart and the value by condition appear here as soon as one does.
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The novel first appeared in New York from Doubleday and McClure in 1899. Grant Richards issued it in London the same year, and two dealers (one an ABAA member) offer that issue as the first English edition, both calling it uncommon or scarce. Look for the Grant Richards imprint and the 1899 date on the title page; the book was issued in the publisher's cloth. The often quoted point, 'moment' as the last word on p. 106, is cited by dealers for the New York first and is not a test for the London issue. American reprints such as the 1921 Modern Library edition are not candidates. One dealer cites BAL 15031 for the London issue.
We have not yet confirmed the issue points that tell this first impression from later ones. Until we do, compare your copy's title page and copyright page with the publisher, place and year above: any later printing or edition statement means it is not this one.
Know the points? Tell us. We publish them, with credit, once a second source agrees.
Grant Richards, London, in 1899, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
Points of issue are small, documented details, such as a misprint later corrected, a binding colour or a jacket price, …
Read the guide →7 min readTo identify a first edition, check that your copy is the first printing of the first edition. Read the copyright …
Read the guide →6 min readBook condition grading uses a six-step trade scale: Fine, Near Fine, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. Collectors grade the …
Read the guide →