The points of issue
Atlantic Monthly Press first edition, 1986, stated first printing; half-cloth hardcover in a dust jacket. Contains the first book appearance of 'Wild Geese' (along with 'The Journey,' 'Morning Poem,' and 'Starfish'). The hardcover first in jacket is scarce versus the common paperback.
Is this the true first?
US true first containing the first book appearance of 'Wild Geese.' The hardcover-versus-paperback distinction is the key collecting point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; distinguish the scarce hardcover first from the common trade paperback.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dream Work a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Atlantic Monthly Press first edition, 1986, stated first printing; half-cloth hardcover in a dust jacket. Contains the first book appearance of 'Wild Geese' (along with 'The Journey,' 'Morning Poem,' and 'Starfish'). The hardcover first in jacket is scarce versus the common paperback.
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. US true first containing the first book appearance of 'Wild Geese.' The hardcover-versus-paperback distinction is the key collecting point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; distinguish the scarce hardcover first from the common trade paperback.
I have a first edition of Dream Work — 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.