The points of issue
Mass-market paperback, Ace Double D-15, bound dos-à-dos (tête-bêche) with Maurice Helbrant's 'Narcotic Agent.' Author pseudonym 'William Lee.' First printing carries the Ace D-15 number and original 35¢ price; pulp cover art. No printing statement beyond the original Ace issue.
Is this the true first?
The Ace Double (1953, as by 'William Lee') is the true first — Burroughs's first published book. Later editions appear under his own name as 'Junky' (Penguin, 1977, restored text — a 'first thus'). The fragile pulp paperback in collectible condition is genuinely scarce.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club. The key distinction is the 1953 Ace Double (pseudonymous, dos-à-dos with Helbrant) versus all later restored 'Junky' editions under Burroughs's name. Confirm the D-15 designation and the bound-with title.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Junkie: Confessions of an Unredeemed Drug Addict a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Mass-market paperback, Ace Double D-15, bound dos-à-dos (tête-bêche) with Maurice Helbrant's 'Narcotic Agent.' Author pseudonym 'William Lee.' First printing carries the Ace D-15 number and original 35¢ price; pulp cover art. No printing statement beyond the original Ace issue.
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 Ace Double (1953, as by 'William Lee') is the true first — Burroughs's first published book. Later editions appear under his own name as 'Junky' (Penguin, 1977, restored text — a 'first thus'). The fragile pulp paperback in collectible condition is genuinely scarce.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club. The key distinction is the 1953 Ace Double (pseudonymous, dos-à-dos with Helbrant) versus all later restored 'Junky' editions under Burroughs's name. Confirm the D-15 designation and the bound-with title.
I have a first edition of Junkie: Confessions of an Unredeemed Drug Addict — 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.