The points of issue
The true first edition of Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens by John E. Mack is identified by: First edition; Harvard psychiatrist author.
Scribner’s first-printing convention: The Scribner “A” on the copyright page (c.1930–1973) Number line (1974–present). Full points-of-issue methodology →
Commonly confused with
Book-club editions and later printings reprint the text but are not the first edition and are far less collectible. A BOMC edition of The Old Man and the Sea was distributed at the same time — distinguish it by the absence of the Scribner seal and the presence of a rear-board blind stamp. Use the points above to be certain — see book-club edition vs. first edition.
Where it sits
Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens is a Tier 4 (entry-level to mid three-figure) title in the New Mexico Book Value Index. Mack's 1994 first brought academic credibility to the abduction phenomenon.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens a first edition?
Look for these first-printing points: First edition; Harvard psychiatrist author For Scribner, The Scribner “A” on the copyright page (c.1930–1973) Number line (1974–present). Later printings and book-club editions lack them.
How do I tell a first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention: The Scribner “A” on the copyright page (c.1930–1973) Number line (1974–present), and confirm the named point of issue above. A number line, stated edition, or dated first printing is the key.
Is a book-club edition the same as a first edition?
No. Book-club editions (BCE) reprint the text but are not the true first edition and are far less collectible — A BOMC edition of The Old Man and the Sea was distributed at the same time — distinguish it by the absence of the Scribner seal and the presence of a rear-board blind stamp.. Check the points of issue above to be sure.
I have a first edition of Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens — what should I do with it?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque in any condition and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. If you'd rather sell, see the John E. Mack collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.