# Is "Red Prophet" by Orson Scott Card a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Red Prophet by Orson Scott Card (Tor Books, 1988) is identified by: Tor hardcover in dust jacket, pp. The US Tor hardcover (1988) is the true first edition.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Tor hardcover in dust jacket, pp. [8], 311; quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, gilt spine lettering, map endpapers and pastedowns
- Copyright page states 'First Edition'
- Dust jacket art by Dennis Nolan, retaining its printed front-flap price
- Tales of Alvin Maker, Book II
- Publisher imprint reads Tor Books
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Orson Scott Card |
| Publisher | Tor Books |
| Year | 1988 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Tor hardcover in dust jacket, pp. [8], 311; quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, gilt spine lettering, map endpapers and pastedowns |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Tor hardcover in dust jacket, pp. [8], 311; quarter black cloth over grey paper boards, gilt spine lettering, map endpapers and pastedowns. Copyright page states 'First Edition'. Dust jacket art by Dennis Nolan, retaining its printed front-flap price. Tales of Alvin Maker, Book II.

## Is this the true first?
The US Tor hardcover (1988) is the true first edition. No earlier UK or Canadian printing precedes it.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A Science Fiction Book Club edition exists; distinguished by a blind-stamped rear-board code and the lack of a printed jacket price.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Red Prophet* by Orson Scott Card a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/red-prophet
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.