The points of issue
First trade collection (Sandman #1-8). The true first printing (1991) contains an introduction by F. Paul Wilson and an afterword by Gaiman; identified by the printed price and ISBN 1-56389-011-9, with stated first printing and no later-printing line. Early states predate the Vertigo imprint logo.
Is this the true first?
US true first. The decisive point: from around 1995 the F. Paul Wilson introduction was replaced by a new Karen Berger introduction, so any copy with the Berger introduction is a later printing, not the 1991 first. The serial Sandman #1 (1989) is the true first appearance of Morpheus and is a separate, higher key.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; later printings are distinguished by the Berger (rather than Wilson) introduction, the Vertigo logo, revised ISBNs, and barcodes. Verify the F. Paul Wilson introduction for the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First trade collection (Sandman #1-8). The true first printing (1991) contains an introduction by F. Paul Wilson and an afterword by Gaiman; identified by the printed price and ISBN 1-56389-011-9, with stated first printing and no later-printing line. Early states predate the Vertigo imprint logo.
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 true first. The decisive point: from around 1995 the F. Paul Wilson introduction was replaced by a new Karen Berger introduction, so any copy with the Berger introduction is a later printing, not the 1991 first. The serial Sandman #1 (1989) is the true first appearance of Morpheus and is a separa
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; later printings are distinguished by the Berger (rather than Wilson) introduction, the Vertigo logo, revised ISBNs, and barcodes. Verify the F. Paul Wilson introduction for the true first.
I have a first edition of The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes — 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.