The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First Printing: June 1990' with the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Quarter black cloth over black boards, spine title stamped in silver; first-issue jacket illustrated by Stephen Peringer and designed by Paul Gamarello, with the printed price on the front flap. 496 pp. ISBN 0-89296-293-3.
Is this the true first?
US Mysterious Press (1990) is the true first; the third of the L.A. Quartet. UK edition follows.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition lacks the 'First Printing: June 1990' statement and the priced flap, is on lighter paper, and often shows a blind-stamped dot on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of L.A. Confidential a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First Printing: June 1990' with the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Quarter black cloth over black boards, spine title stamped in silver; first-issue jacket illustrated by Stephen Peringer and designed by Paul Gamarello, with the printed price on the front flap. 496 pp. ISBN 0-89296-293-3.
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 Mysterious Press (1990) is the true first; the third of the L.A. Quartet. UK edition follows.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition lacks the 'First Printing: June 1990' statement and the priced flap, is on lighter paper, and often shows a blind-stamped dot on the rear board.
I have a first edition of L.A. Confidential — 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.