The points of issue
Copyright page states First Trade Edition with the Random House number line 2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3; a true first printing does not show a 1 in the line, per Random House convention. Sequel to The Talisman.
Is this the true first?
US Random House and UK HarperCollins editions were published simultaneously in September 2001; the Random House trade issue is the standard collected first. A signed limited edition of 1,520 copies in a leather traycase, signed by King, Straub, and artist Rick Berry, was published separately by Donald M. Grant in 2002.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club copies lack the number line and stated edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Black House a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states First Trade Edition with the Random House number line 2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3; a true first printing does not show a 1 in the line, per Random House convention. Sequel to The Talisman.
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 Random House and UK HarperCollins editions were published simultaneously in September 2001; the Random House trade issue is the standard collected first. A signed limited edition of 1,520 copies in a leather traycase, signed by King, Straub, and artist Rick Berry, was published separately by Dona
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club copies lack the number line and stated edition.
I have a first edition of Black House — 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.