# Is "Fires of Eden" by Dan Simmons a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Fires of Eden by Dan Simmons (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1994) is identified by: Putnam's Sons US first edition (1994). US Putnam hardcover is the true first edition of this Hawaii-set fantasy thriller featuring Samuel Clemens.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- G.P. Putnam's Sons US first edition
- The first printing carries the complete number line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 on the copyright page
- Bound in green paper-covered boards with a darker green cloth spine lettered in gilt
- The first-issue dust jacket is illustrated by Hector Garrido and should retain the printed price on the front flap (unclipped preferred), with no book-club overprint
- Publisher imprint reads G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Dan Simmons |
| Publisher | G.P. Putnam's Sons |
| Year | 1994 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | G.P. Putnam's Sons US first edition |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
G.P. Putnam's Sons US first edition (1994). The first printing carries the complete number line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 on the copyright page. Bound in green paper-covered boards with a darker green cloth spine lettered in gilt. The first-issue dust jacket is illustrated by Hector Garrido and should retain the printed price on the front flap (unclipped preferred), with no book-club overprint.

## Is this the true first?
US Putnam hardcover is the true first edition of this Hawaii-set fantasy thriller featuring Samuel Clemens.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the 1-to-10 number line and the flap price, and typically show a blindstamped indent on the rear board; the boards and paper stock are also lighter and thinner than the Putnam trade printing.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Fires of Eden* by Dan Simmons a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/fires-of-eden
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.