The points of issue
First magazine appearance was the April 1943 issue of Unknown Worlds. The first book appearance was in the hardcover anthology Witches Three (Twayne, 1952), where an expanded and revised text led the volume alongside stories by Blish and Pratt. The first standalone book was the Lion Books paperback original of 1953; a standalone hardcover did not follow until the Gregg Press edition of 1977.
Is this the true first?
The 1943 Unknown Worlds serial is the true textual first. The first book appearance is the 1952 Twayne anthology Witches Three (hardcover), not the Lion paperback. The 1953 Lion edition is the first standalone book; the 1977 Gregg hardcover is the first standalone hardcover.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition applies. Distinguish the fragile 1953 Lion paperback original from later Ace and Berkley reprints, and note that the earliest book form is the 1952 Twayne anthology rather than any standalone.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Conjure Wife a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First magazine appearance was the April 1943 issue of Unknown Worlds. The first book appearance was in the hardcover anthology Witches Three (Twayne, 1952), where an expanded and revised text led the volume alongside stories by Blish and Pratt. The first standalone book was the Lion Books paperback original of 1953; a standalone hardcover did not follow until the Gregg Press edition of 1977.
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 1943 Unknown Worlds serial is the true textual first. The first book appearance is the 1952 Twayne anthology Witches Three (hardcover), not the Lion paperback. The 1953 Lion edition is the first standalone book; the 1977 Gregg hardcover is the first standalone hardcover.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition applies. Distinguish the fragile 1953 Lion paperback original from later Ace and Berkley reprints, and note that the earliest book form is the 1952 Twayne anthology rather than any standalone.
I have a first edition of Conjure Wife — 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.