The points of issue
Issued as a Ringpull Press (Littleborough) trade paperback original in 1993 — the debut for both author and publisher. The first printing copyright page reads 'First published by Ringpull Press in 1993'; the second printing adds the year, reading 'First published by Ringpull Press in 1993, 1994'. A scarce hardcover state also exists.
Is this the true first?
The UK Ringpull 1993 paperback original is the true first, preceding the US St. Martin's/Crown edition (1995). Winner of the 1994 Arthur C. Clarke Award.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Pan/Tor reissues are reprints. The added '1994' on the copyright line is the key second-printing tell.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Vurt a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Issued as a Ringpull Press (Littleborough) trade paperback original in 1993 — the debut for both author and publisher. The first printing copyright page reads 'First published by Ringpull Press in 1993'; the second printing adds the year, reading 'First published by Ringpull Press in 1993, 1994'. A scarce hardcover state also exists.
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 UK Ringpull 1993 paperback original is the true first, preceding the US St. Martin's/Crown edition (1995). Winner of the 1994 Arthur C. Clarke Award.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Pan/Tor reissues are reprints. The added '1994' on the copyright line is the key second-printing tell.
I have a first edition of Vurt — 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.