The points of issue
The true first is the Dennis McMillan Publications edition of 1984, a signed and numbered issue limited to 300 copies (part of McMillan's 'The Door Into Darkness' program). It precedes the trade edition. The Harper & Row trade first appeared in 1985 (copyright 1984), with a stated 'FIRST EDITION' and number line ending in 1 and a priced first-state jacket.
Is this the true first?
Correction: the original record's claim that 'US Harper & Row (1984) is the true first trade edition' is inaccurate on two counts. First, the Dennis McMillan limited edition of 1984 (300 signed/numbered copies) precedes everything and is the true first. Second, the Harper & Row trade edition is dated 1985, not 1984 (it carries a 1984 copyright). The UK Victor Gollancz edition also appeared in 1985.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
For the Harper & Row trade edition, book-club copies lack the printed jacket price and the full number line. The McMillan limited edition is a distinct signed/numbered issue and should not be confused with the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Ghostway a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the Dennis McMillan Publications edition of 1984, a signed and numbered issue limited to 300 copies (part of McMillan's 'The Door Into Darkness' program). It precedes the trade edition. The Harper & Row trade first appeared in 1985 (copyright 1984), with a stated 'FIRST EDITION' and number line ending in 1 and a priced first-state jacket.
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. Correction: the original record's claim that 'US Harper & Row (1984) is the true first trade edition' is inaccurate on two counts. First, the Dennis McMillan limited edition of 1984 (300 signed/numbered copies) precedes everything and is the true first. Second, the Harper & Row trade edition is date
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
For the Harper & Row trade edition, book-club copies lack the printed jacket price and the full number line. The McMillan limited edition is a distinct signed/numbered issue and should not be confused with the trade first.
I have a first edition of The Ghostway — 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.