The points of issue
Not a standalone book. A Touch of Infinity is one half of Ace Double D-413, bound dos-a-dos (back-to-back, tete-beche) with The Man With Nine Lives. The number D-413 is the Ace Double designation, and the 35-cent cover price applies to the combined volume. It collects five science-fiction stories and is Ellison's first SF collection.
Is this the true first?
US Ace Double D-413 is the true first appearance. The original record's framing as a self-contained Ace PBO is imprecise; the point of issue is that it shares the Ace Double with The Man With Nine Lives.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition; appeared only within the Ace Double paperback.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Touch of Infinity a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Not a standalone book. A Touch of Infinity is one half of Ace Double D-413, bound dos-a-dos (back-to-back, tete-beche) with The Man With Nine Lives. The number D-413 is the Ace Double designation, and the 35-cent cover price applies to the combined volume. It collects five science-fiction stories and is Ellison's first SF collection.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Ace Double D-413 is the true first appearance. The original record's framing as a self-contained Ace PBO is imprecise; the point of issue is that it shares the Ace Double with The Man With Nine Lives.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition; appeared only within the Ace Double paperback.
I have a first edition of A Touch of Infinity — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.