The points of issue
First edition, London: Rupert Hart-Davis, 1972, copyright page stating 'First published 1972'. The US issue appeared under the different title 'The War of Dreams' (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1974).
Is this the true first?
UK Hart-Davis (1972) is the true first. The retitled US edition 'The War of Dreams' (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1974) is a later issue of the same text, not a first of the work.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No notable book-club edition; the US retitling is not a true first of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, London: Rupert Hart-Davis, 1972, copyright page stating 'First published 1972'. The US issue appeared under the different title 'The War of Dreams' (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1974).
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 Hart-Davis (1972) is the true first. The retitled US edition 'The War of Dreams' (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1974) is a later issue of the same text, not a first of the work.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No notable book-club edition; the US retitling is not a true first of the work.
I have a first edition of The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman — 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.