The points of issue
True first is the paperback original Ace Double D-15, a dos-a-dos (tete-beche) double bound back-to-back with 'Narcotic Agent' by Maurice Helbrant. Author credited as 'William Lee' on the cover (the pseudonym). Priced 35 cents; cover designated an 'ACE Original.' Cover art by Al Rossi. Printed on poor, brittle paper, so genuinely fine copies are scarce and command a large premium. Bibliographic ref: Maynard & Miles A1.
Is this the true first?
The paperback IS the true first edition; there was no prior hardcover. Later Ace printings exist under different numbers (K-202, 1964; later as 'Junkie' and then 'Junky'). The 1977 Penguin 'Junky' is the first complete/unexpurgated text and a separate 'first thus.' UK title is 'Junky.' First state is the D-15 double only.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition exists for the original. Beware later Ace reprints (K-202 etc.) sold as the first; only D-15 bound with Narcotic Agent and credited to 'William Lee' is the true first. Reprints have higher serial numbers and are single (not dos-a-dos doubles).
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Junkie: Confessions of an Unredeemed Drug Addict a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the paperback original Ace Double D-15, a dos-a-dos (tete-beche) double bound back-to-back with 'Narcotic Agent' by Maurice Helbrant. Author credited as 'William Lee' on the cover (the pseudonym). Priced 35 cents; cover designated an 'ACE Original.' Cover art by Al Rossi. Printed on poor, brittle paper, so genuinely fine copies are scarce and command a large premium. Bibliographic ref: Maynard & Miles A1.
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 paperback IS the true first edition; there was no prior hardcover. Later Ace printings exist under different numbers (K-202, 1964; later as 'Junkie' and then 'Junky'). The 1977 Penguin 'Junky' is the first complete/unexpurgated text and a separate 'first thus.' UK title is 'Junky.' First state i
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition exists for the original. Beware later Ace reprints (K-202 etc.) sold as the first; only D-15 bound with Narcotic Agent and credited to 'William Lee' is the true first. Reprints have higher serial numbers and are single (not dos-a-dos doubles).
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.