The points of issue
Edited by Christopher Tolkien. UK first impression (the first volume in the series under HarperCollins): copyright page shows only the 1992 date with no later impressions listed. First impression was 5,000 copies, of which about 2,000 were sold through Book Club Associates, so genuine first impressions exist with both priced and unpriced jackets.
Is this the true first?
UK HarperCollins edition is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Associates distributed part of the actual first impression; an unpriced jacket alone does not indicate a later printing. Two impressions were issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Sauron Defeated (HoME vol. 9) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Edited by Christopher Tolkien. UK first impression (the first volume in the series under HarperCollins): copyright page shows only the 1992 date with no later impressions listed. First impression was 5,000 copies, of which about 2,000 were sold through Book Club Associates, so genuine first impressions exist with both priced and unpriced jackets.
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. UK HarperCollins edition is the true first; the US Houghton Mifflin edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Associates distributed part of the actual first impression; an unpriced jacket alone does not indicate a later printing. Two impressions were issued.
I have a first edition of Sauron Defeated (HoME vol. 9) — 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.