The points of issue
Story collection. Dark Harvest (Arlington Heights, Illinois) 1987, with first edition so stated on the copyright page. Issued in a trade hardcover and a slipcased limited state of 450 numbered copies signed by Martin and artists Val and Ron Lindahn (Roger Zelazny's signature, as introducer, called for as well).
Is this the true first?
US Dark Harvest 1987 is the true first; the signed and numbered slipcased limited is the premium issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Trade versus numbered limited distinction matters; later reprints and unnumbered copies differ from the limited state.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Portraits of His Children a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Story collection. Dark Harvest (Arlington Heights, Illinois) 1987, with first edition so stated on the copyright page. Issued in a trade hardcover and a slipcased limited state of 450 numbered copies signed by Martin and artists Val and Ron Lindahn (Roger Zelazny's signature, as introducer, called for as well).
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 Dark Harvest 1987 is the true first; the signed and numbered slipcased limited is the premium issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Trade versus numbered limited distinction matters; later reprints and unnumbered copies differ from the limited state.
I have a first edition of Portraits of His Children — 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.