The points of issue
First story collection. Arkham House hardcover in black cloth with gilt-stamped spine; jacket and interior illustrations by Rick Lieder. Single print run of roughly 4,231 copies with no later printing.
Is this the true first?
The US Arkham House hardcover is the true first and the only collectible first; Arkham printed a single run. A Legend UK trade paperback followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Crystal Express a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First story collection. Arkham House hardcover in black cloth with gilt-stamped spine; jacket and interior illustrations by Rick Lieder. Single print run of roughly 4,231 copies with no later printing.
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 Arkham House hardcover is the true first and the only collectible first; Arkham printed a single run. A Legend UK trade paperback followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition.
I have a first edition of Crystal Express — 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.