The points of issue
First Coffee House Press printing; issued as a paperback original in wraps, priced on the lower cover. Title taken from a line by Henry James; carries a preface by Christopher Sorrentino.
Is this the true first?
True first is the 2010 Coffee House Press paperback, published posthumously as Sorrentino's final novel.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable; issued as a trade paperback original.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Abyss of Human Illusion a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First Coffee House Press printing; issued as a paperback original in wraps, priced on the lower cover. Title taken from a line by Henry James; carries a preface by Christopher Sorrentino.
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. True first is the 2010 Coffee House Press paperback, published posthumously as Sorrentino's final novel.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable; issued as a trade paperback original.
I have a first edition of The Abyss of Human Illusion — 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.