The points of issue
UK Sphere paperback originals (1984), priced 1.50 net. The earliest state carries the photographic covers; the same first edition was later reissued with covers using Barker's own artwork, so the photo-cover state is the true earliest. As paperback originals, the first printings carry no later-printing statement or number line.
Is this the true first?
The Sphere UK paperbacks are the true first edition of Volumes 1-3; there was no prior hardcover. The Weidenfeld & Nicolson UK hardcovers (1985) and the US Berkley/Putnam editions are later. The photo-cover state precedes the Barker-artwork state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition of the paperback original. Later Sphere reprints (from 1987) carry the Barker-artwork covers; the Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcovers and signed limited boxed sets are first thus.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Books of Blood, Volumes 1-3 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Sphere paperback originals (1984), priced 1.50 net. The earliest state carries the photographic covers; the same first edition was later reissued with covers using Barker's own artwork, so the photo-cover state is the true earliest. As paperback originals, the first printings carry no later-printing statement or number line.
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 Sphere UK paperbacks are the true first edition of Volumes 1-3; there was no prior hardcover. The Weidenfeld & Nicolson UK hardcovers (1985) and the US Berkley/Putnam editions are later. The photo-cover state precedes the Barker-artwork state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition of the paperback original. Later Sphere reprints (from 1987) carry the Barker-artwork covers; the Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcovers and signed limited boxed sets are first thus.
I have a first edition of Books of Blood, Volumes 1-3 — 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.