The points of issue
French original-language true first: 'L'Ascension du Haut Mal,' L'Association, six volumes published 1996–2004. First complete English edition: single-volume 'Epileptic,' Pantheon Books, 2005, hardcover in jacket, translated by Kim Thompson, ISBN 978-0-375-42318-5. The Pantheon volume gathers all six French volumes for the first time in English.
Is this the true first?
The L'Association multi-volume French edition is the true first. The 2005 Pantheon single volume is the first complete English edition ('first thus'). An earlier partial English edition, 'Epileptic 1' (Book One only), was issued in softcover by Fantagraphics in 2002 and so precedes the Pantheon volume for that portion of the text; Pantheon is the first complete-in-English appearance.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Verify L'Association (French serial) versus Pantheon 2005 (first complete English). Be aware of the earlier Fantagraphics 2002 Book One when describing English precedence.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Epileptic (L'Ascension du Haut Mal) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: French original-language true first: 'L'Ascension du Haut Mal,' L'Association, six volumes published 1996–2004. First complete English edition: single-volume 'Epileptic,' Pantheon Books, 2005, hardcover in jacket, translated by Kim Thompson, ISBN 978-0-375-42318-5. The Pantheon volume gathers all six French volumes for the first time in English.
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 L'Association multi-volume French edition is the true first. The 2005 Pantheon single volume is the first complete English edition ('first thus'). An earlier partial English edition, 'Epileptic 1' (Book One only), was issued in softcover by Fantagraphics in 2002 and so precedes the Pantheon volu
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Verify L'Association (French serial) versus Pantheon 2005 (first complete English). Be aware of the earlier Fantagraphics 2002 Book One when describing English precedence.
I have a first edition of Epileptic (L'Ascension du Haut Mal) — 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.