The points of issue
Lethem's first story collection (seven stories), Harcourt Brace & Company, New York, 1996 (ISBN 0-15-100180-4). The copyright page states 'First edition' with Harcourt's descending letter line ending in 'A'; confirm the original dust jacket price is present and unclipped.
Is this the true first?
The US Harcourt Brace 1996 hardcover is the unambiguous true first. The Faber and Faber (London) edition appeared years later (2002/2005), was not simultaneous, and was a substantially different collection with two stories swapped out, so it is not a competing first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No common book club edition noted; later trade paperback reprints are not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Wall of the Sky, the Wall of the Eye a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Lethem's first story collection (seven stories), Harcourt Brace & Company, New York, 1996 (ISBN 0-15-100180-4). The copyright page states 'First edition' with Harcourt's descending letter line ending in 'A'; confirm the original dust jacket price is present and unclipped.
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 Harcourt Brace 1996 hardcover is the unambiguous true first. The Faber and Faber (London) edition appeared years later (2002/2005), was not simultaneous, and was a substantially different collection with two stories swapped out, so it is not a competing first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No common book club edition noted; later trade paperback reprints are not firsts.
I have a first edition of The Wall of the Sky, the Wall of the Eye — 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.