The points of issue
The true textual firsts are the Sphere paperback originals, Volumes I, II and III, published in London in 1984 at 1.50 pounds, with Barker's own cover paintings. The Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcovers followed in 1985. For the W&N hardcover firsts, look for the publisher's statement on the copyright page and the absence of any later-printing line.
Is this the true first?
The Sphere paperbacks are the true textual firsts (Volumes I–III, 1984; IV–VI, 1985). The W&N hardcovers (1985–1986) and the US Poseidon hardcovers came afterward. W&N also issued a signed, boxed hardcover limited edition of 200 copies in 1985, which is the deluxe state collectors prize.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition is the principal trap; the real pitfalls are later Sphere reprints (check the copyright page for added printing numbers) and the retitled or repackaged US volumes such as The Inhuman Condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Books of Blood, Volumes I–III a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true textual firsts are the Sphere paperback originals, Volumes I, II and III, published in London in 1984 at 1.50 pounds, with Barker's own cover paintings. The Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcovers followed in 1985. For the W&N hardcover firsts, look for the publisher's statement on the copyright page and the absence of any later-printing 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 paperbacks are the true textual firsts (Volumes I–III, 1984; IV–VI, 1985). The W&N hardcovers (1985–1986) and the US Poseidon hardcovers came afterward. W&N also issued a signed, boxed hardcover limited edition of 200 copies in 1985, which is the deluxe state collectors prize.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition is the principal trap; the real pitfalls are later Sphere reprints (check the copyright page for added printing numbers) and the retitled or repackaged US volumes such as The Inhuman Condition.
I have a first edition of Books of Blood, Volumes I–III — 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.