The points of issue
First Eos/HarperCollins hardcover, 2003, stating 'First Edition' on the copyright page with the number line descending to 1. Priced dust jacket; jacket art by David Bowers.
Is this the true first?
The US Eos 2003 hardcover is the true first. The UK Voyager/HarperCollins edition is separate/later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Science Fiction Book Club edition is a separate book-club issue: blind-stamp on the rear board, no printed jacket price, and it lacks the trade first-edition points. Confirm the trade jacket and the stated 'First Edition' with number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Paladin of Souls a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First Eos/HarperCollins hardcover, 2003, stating 'First Edition' on the copyright page with the number line descending to 1. Priced dust jacket; jacket art by David Bowers.
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 US Eos 2003 hardcover is the true first. The UK Voyager/HarperCollins edition is separate/later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Science Fiction Book Club edition is a separate book-club issue: blind-stamp on the rear board, no printed jacket price, and it lacks the trade first-edition points. Confirm the trade jacket and the stated 'First Edition' with number line.
I have a first edition of Paladin of Souls — 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.