McKay, Scott and Whatmore claim that ERIC BRIGHTEYES was serialized in THE PEOPLE  in 1891. THE SUN  (New York) began its serilization on January 4, 1891. It ran weekly, and without illustrations. This serilization is the earliest confirmed appearance of this novel.

McKay, Scott and Whatmore claim that Longmans, Green, and Co., published in London its first book edition, which is illustrated with 17 full-page woodcut prints and 34 supplemental illustrations (13 initial letters) by Lancelot Speed, on May 13, 1891; and that 10,000 copies were printed. Ads at the end are date-coded 12/90.

Later British Longmans printings of ERIC BRIGHTEYES contain a Bibliographic Note that states that the novel was first published in April 1891, not May 13.

Toronto-based William Bryce also included Speed’s illustrations for its 1891 Canadian first edition. 

In 1891 Heinemann and Balestier, Leipzig, published an edition for their English Library series. 

John W. Lovell published in New York its edition in 1891, and included the Speed illustrations. Harper & Brothers also published its edition in 1891, but without illustrations.

The International Copyright Act of 1891 put a stop to rampant pirating of HRH's novels.