The points of issue
Bantam paperback original, February 1981; first book of the VALIS trilogy. As a paperback original there is no number line; the first Bantam printing is the issue point.
Is this the true first?
US Bantam paperback original is the true first; the Kerosina UK hardcover is a much later edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition; this is a paperback original.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of VALIS a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bantam paperback original, February 1981; first book of the VALIS trilogy. As a paperback original there is no number line; the first Bantam printing is the issue point.
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 Bantam paperback original is the true first; the Kerosina UK hardcover is a much later edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition; this is a paperback original.
I have a first edition of VALIS — 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.