The points of issue
Quarter cloth over paper boards, jacket design by Robert Aulicino, original price intact on the front flap. The Random House first printing states First Edition on the copyright page together with a number line ending in 2 (not 1), per Random House practice of that era. Russo's second novel and his first book issued in hardcover.
Is this the true first?
The US Random House 1988 edition is the true first. Note the year is 1988 (sometimes misdated 1989).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Random House book-club reprints remove the words First Edition from the copyright page, carry a blind-stamp to the rear board, and lack the priced jacket flap.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Risk Pool a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Quarter cloth over paper boards, jacket design by Robert Aulicino, original price intact on the front flap. The Random House first printing states First Edition on the copyright page together with a number line ending in 2 (not 1), per Random House practice of that era. Russo's second novel and his first book issued in hardcover.
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. The US Random House 1988 edition is the true first. Note the year is 1988 (sometimes misdated 1989).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Random House book-club reprints remove the words First Edition from the copyright page, carry a blind-stamp to the rear board, and lack the priced jacket flap.
I have a first edition of The Risk Pool — 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.