The points of issue
US Pocket Books first hardcover, 1991, identified by a full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page. The dust jacket carries the original price, unclipped. Half-cloth over boards with gilt spine lettering; jacket art by Gerber Studio.
Is this the true first?
The US Pocket Books 1991 hardcover is the true first edition. It won both the 1992 Bram Stoker Award and the 1992 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel — an unusual double.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition exists; it lacks the full number line to 1, is typically blind-stamped on the rear board, and has a price-clipped or unprinted jacket. Verify the '1' in the number line plus the original priced, unclipped jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Boy's Life a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Pocket Books first hardcover, 1991, identified by a full number line descending to 1 on the copyright page. The dust jacket carries the original price, unclipped. Half-cloth over boards with gilt spine lettering; jacket art by Gerber Studio.
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 US Pocket Books 1991 hardcover is the true first edition. It won both the 1992 Bram Stoker Award and the 1992 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel — an unusual double.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition exists; it lacks the full number line to 1, is typically blind-stamped on the rear board, and has a price-clipped or unprinted jacket. Verify the '1' in the number line plus the original priced, unclipped jacket.
I have a first edition of Boy's Life — 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.