The points of issue
Poseidon Press, New York, 1988: first edition hardback in black cloth spine over red paper-covered boards, first printing with number line including 1. The US edition uniquely contains the Cabal novella together with the four stories of Books of Blood Volume VI. Basis for the film Nightbreed. A Poseidon signed limited issue of 750 copies was also produced.
Is this the true first?
The US Poseidon Press 1988 hardback is the true first. In the UK, only a Fontana paperback appeared in 1988; the Collins hardback (2,300 copies) did not follow until 1989.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A Poseidon/Doubleday book club edition exists: no price on the jacket flap, no number line, smaller format with cheaper binding.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cabal a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Poseidon Press, New York, 1988: first edition hardback in black cloth spine over red paper-covered boards, first printing with number line including 1. The US edition uniquely contains the Cabal novella together with the four stories of Books of Blood Volume VI. Basis for the film Nightbreed. A Poseidon signed limited issue of 750 copies was also produced.
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 Poseidon Press 1988 hardback is the true first. In the UK, only a Fontana paperback appeared in 1988; the Collins hardback (2,300 copies) did not follow until 1989.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A Poseidon/Doubleday book club edition exists: no price on the jacket flap, no number line, smaller format with cheaper binding.
I have a first edition of Cabal — 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.