The points of issue
First printing, Vanguard Press, New York, 1953. The fifth and final volume of Farrell's O'Neill-O'Flaherty pentalogy (the Danny O'Neill series). Later printings and the University of Illinois Press reissue are clearly distinguishable.
Is this the true first?
US first edition (Vanguard, 1953).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and modern reprints (University of Illinois Press) are identified as such; the Vanguard 1953 hardcover is the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Face of Time a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing, Vanguard Press, New York, 1953. The fifth and final volume of Farrell's O'Neill-O'Flaherty pentalogy (the Danny O'Neill series). Later printings and the University of Illinois Press reissue are clearly distinguishable.
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 first edition (Vanguard, 1953).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and modern reprints (University of Illinois Press) are identified as such; the Vanguard 1953 hardcover is the true first.
I have a first edition of The Face of Time — 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.