How to identify a first printing
- Limitation page identifies the signed/numbered limited state; titles were issued in both a signed-numbered slipcased limited state (carrying a signed limitation leaf) and an unsigned trade hardcover
- Trade first identified by copyright page lacking any later-printing notice; many titles are the first HARDCOVER edition of works first published as mass-market paperbacks, so 'first edition' here often means first-in-format
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1978 by Alex Berman and Sidney Altus; active through 1989 (49 books), with a separate relaunch beginning 2023. Published Niven, Brin, Cherryh, Silverberg, Williamson and others
- Issued both true firsts (a small collectors' edition just ahead of a larger publisher's release) and first hardcovers of paperback originals — confirm which case applies per title
- Signed/numbered slipcased states command premiums; verify the limitation number and author signature on the limitation leaf. Print runs varied by title (e.g. 'Startide Rising', 1985, totaled about 1,575 copies including 375 signed-numbered slipcased), so do not assume a fixed limitation size
- Caution: some Phantasia editions are revised texts (e.g. Brin's 'Startide Rising' is a First Revised Edition), so a Phantasia printing is not always textually the first appearance
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Phantasia Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Limitation page identifies the signed/numbered limited state; titles were issued in both a signed-numbered slipcased limited state (carrying a signed limitation leaf) and an unsigned trade hardcover Trade first identified by copyright page lacking any later-printing notice; many titles are the first HARDCOVER edition of works first published as mass-market paperbacks, so 'first edition' here often means first-in-format
Does Phantasia Press use a number line?
Trade first identified by copyright page lacking any later-printing notice; many titles are the first HARDCOVER edition of works first published as mass-market paperbacks, so 'first edition' here often means first-in-format
Is a book-club edition a Phantasia Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1978 by Alex Berman and Sidney Altus; active through 1989 (49 books), with a separate relaunch beginning 2023. Published Niven, Brin, Cherryh, Silverberg, Williamson and others
What era does this cover?
This covers Phantasia Press (1978-1989 (original run; relaunched 2023)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.