First Edition, American issue. 8vo. Original grey paper-covered boards with spine label. London, William Heinemann, 1912.
American issue: bound in grey boards, and with “made in Great Britain” rubber-stamped onto the title verso; copies for domestic use were bound either in red cloth or champagne-coloured wrappers, and do not have this rubber-stamp; the entire edition consisted of only 2,000 copies. This copy is inscribed and signed by Maugham to Edgar Selwyn. Selwyn (1874-1944) began as a theatre usher and became a successful playwright and screenwriter during the 1920s and 1930s; he also produced some plays on broadway, such as the stage adaptation of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” The volume is in very good condition (spine slightly darkened, one-eighth-inch chip at the head of the spine).
