The points of issue
Vampire/riverboat novel. US Poseidon Press hardcover, 1982; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Red cloth spine over black boards, jacket art by Barron Storey.
Is this the true first?
US Poseidon true first; UK Gollancz follows. A sought-after Martin standalone.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club and later printings differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Fevre Dream a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Vampire/riverboat novel. US Poseidon Press hardcover, 1982; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. Red cloth spine over black boards, jacket art by Barron Storey.
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 Poseidon true first; UK Gollancz follows. A sought-after Martin standalone.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club and later printings differ.
I have a first edition of Fevre Dream — 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.