The points of issue
US first edition is the Berkley mass-market paperback original (October 1984); the first printing's printing history states Berkley edition, October 1984, with no later printings listed. There is no 'First Printing' number line.
Is this the true first?
The UK hardcover, published by W.H. Allen as Darkness Comes (London, 1984), preceded the US paperback by over six months and is the true first edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The only US hardcover is a book club edition: 'Book Club Edition' stated on the front jacket flap, with a gutter code on a rear text page. No US trade hardcover exists.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Darkfall a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US first edition is the Berkley mass-market paperback original (October 1984); the first printing's printing history states Berkley edition, October 1984, with no later printings listed. There is no 'First Printing' number 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 UK hardcover, published by W.H. Allen as Darkness Comes (London, 1984), preceded the US paperback by over six months and is the true first edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The only US hardcover is a book club edition: 'Book Club Edition' stated on the front jacket flap, with a gutter code on a rear text page. No US trade hardcover exists.
I have a first edition of Darkfall — 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.