The points of issue
Erikson's first Malazan novel. UK Bantam Press hardcover, 1999; black boards with gilt spine titles, dust jacket; copyright page number line including 1. The hardcover print run was very small and it was issued alongside a simultaneous trade paperback — the hardcover is the key Malazan collectible.
Is this the true first?
UK Bantam Press 1999 is the true first (published in Britain and Canada); the US Tor edition did not appear until December 2004. The UK hardcover first is scarce and heavily sought after.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The simultaneous 1999 UK trade paperback, the 2000 mass-market paperback, the US Tor editions (2004 onward), the Subterranean Press limited edition (2008), and book-club copies are all distinct from the UK hardcover first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen 1) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Erikson's first Malazan novel. UK Bantam Press hardcover, 1999; black boards with gilt spine titles, dust jacket; copyright page number line including 1. The hardcover print run was very small and it was issued alongside a simultaneous trade paperback — the hardcover is the key Malazan collectible.
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. UK Bantam Press 1999 is the true first (published in Britain and Canada); the US Tor edition did not appear until December 2004. The UK hardcover first is scarce and heavily sought after.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The simultaneous 1999 UK trade paperback, the 2000 mass-market paperback, the US Tor editions (2004 onward), the Subterranean Press limited edition (2008), and book-club copies are all distinct from the UK hardcover first.
I have a first edition of Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen 1) — 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.