The points of issue
Simon & Schuster first edition, 1971, with 'First printing' stated on the copyright page. Black cloth, spine stamped in yellow; dust jacket with the printed price on the front flap, unclipped. About 159 pages.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster 1971 is the true first. Abbey often named this his personal favorite among his novels; signed copies are scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No prominent book-club edition; the first printing is identified by the stated 'First printing' and the printed-price jacket, and later paperbacks are clearly marked.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Black Sun a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Simon & Schuster first edition, 1971, with 'First printing' stated on the copyright page. Black cloth, spine stamped in yellow; dust jacket with the printed price on the front flap, unclipped. About 159 pages.
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 Simon & Schuster 1971 is the true first. Abbey often named this his personal favorite among his novels; signed copies are scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No prominent book-club edition; the first printing is identified by the stated 'First printing' and the printed-price jacket, and later paperbacks are clearly marked.
I have a first edition of Black Sun — 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.