The points of issue
The true first is the Incunabula limited edition, edited by Ron Drummond and designed by John D. Berry; it alone contains the 'Microflorilegium,' a section of excerpts from the author's correspondence. The Wesleyan University Press trade edition (hardcover and paperback, also 1995, produced by Incunabula) followed and lacks that section.
Is this the true first?
The Incunabula (Seattle) limited edition (1995) precedes the Wesleyan University Press trade edition; the Wesleyan hardcover is the first trade edition, not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None documented.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Atlantis: Three Tales a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the Incunabula limited edition, edited by Ron Drummond and designed by John D. Berry; it alone contains the 'Microflorilegium,' a section of excerpts from the author's correspondence. The Wesleyan University Press trade edition (hardcover and paperback, also 1995, produced by Incunabula) followed and lacks that section.
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. The Incunabula (Seattle) limited edition (1995) precedes the Wesleyan University Press trade edition; the Wesleyan hardcover is the first trade edition, not the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None documented.
I have a first edition of Atlantis: Three Tales — 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.