The points of issue
US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan hardcover, 1980 (the title appears on the book as 'Shadow Land,' two words). The first is identified by the absence of any later-printing statement on the copyright page; Coward-McCann did not consistently print a stated 'First American Edition' line for this title. The dust jacket is priced 12.95 dollars on the front flap. Boards are blue cloth-backed with silver spine lettering.
Is this the true first?
The US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition is the true first; the UK Collins edition is the UK first. A Dark Harvest signed, numbered limited edition is the prized deluxe state and a first thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the printed 12.95-dollar jacket price, are smaller and lighter, and may carry a board blind-stamp. The priced jacket plus absence of a later-printing statement confirms a first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Shadowland a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Coward, McCann & Geoghegan hardcover, 1980 (the title appears on the book as 'Shadow Land,' two words). The first is identified by the absence of any later-printing statement on the copyright page; Coward-McCann did not consistently print a stated 'First American Edition' line for this title. The dust jacket is priced 12.95 dollars on the front flap. Boards are blue cloth-backed with silver spine lettering.
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 Coward, McCann & Geoghegan edition is the true first; the UK Collins edition is the UK first. A Dark Harvest signed, numbered limited edition is the prized deluxe state and a first thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions lack the printed 12.95-dollar jacket price, are smaller and lighter, and may carry a board blind-stamp. The priced jacket plus absence of a later-printing statement confirms a first.
I have a first edition of Shadowland — 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.