The points of issue
First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1985, hardcover. A historical novel of the early Christian church. The UK Hutchinson edition precedes (or is contemporaneous with) the first American edition, Arbor House, New York, 1985 (379 pp., ISBN 0-87795-753-3). A separate Franklin Library signed limited edition also appeared in 1985 but is not the trade first.
Is this the true first?
UK Hutchinson 1985 is the accepted true first; the first American edition was Arbor House, New York, 1985. Verify by imprint, as both bear the 1985 date.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No conventional book-club edition; note a separate Franklin Library signed limited edition exists, distinct from the trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Kingdom of the Wicked a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Hutchinson, London, 1985, hardcover. A historical novel of the early Christian church. The UK Hutchinson edition precedes (or is contemporaneous with) the first American edition, Arbor House, New York, 1985 (379 pp., ISBN 0-87795-753-3). A separate Franklin Library signed limited edition also appeared in 1985 but is not the trade first.
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 Hutchinson 1985 is the accepted true first; the first American edition was Arbor House, New York, 1985. Verify by imprint, as both bear the 1985 date.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No conventional book-club edition; note a separate Franklin Library signed limited edition exists, distinct from the trade first.
I have a first edition of The Kingdom of the Wicked — 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.