# Is "A Maze of Death" by Philip K. Dick a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick (Doubleday, 1970) is identified by: Doubleday first hardcover, published July 1970, royal blue cloth with silver spine lettering, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, a date code (L21) at the lower margin of the last text page (page 216), and a priced dust jacket. The US Doubleday hardcover is the first edition.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Doubleday first hardcover, published July 1970, royal blue cloth with silver spine lettering, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, a date code (L21) at the lower margin of the last text page (page 216), and a priced dust jacket
- Most of the print run was reportedly pulped, leaving mainly library and review copies in circulation
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 1970 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Doubleday first hardcover, published July 1970, royal blue cloth with silver spine lettering, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Doubleday first hardcover, published July 1970, royal blue cloth with silver spine lettering, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page, a date code (L21) at the lower margin of the last text page (page 216), and a priced dust jacket. Most of the print run was reportedly pulped, leaving mainly library and review copies in circulation.

## Is this the true first?
The US Doubleday hardcover is the first edition.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition lacks the stated 'First Edition', carries the Doubleday blind stamp (small dot or maple-leaf) on the rear board, and has an unpriced jacket.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *A Maze of Death* by Philip K. Dick a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/a-maze-of-death
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.