The Green Mile (The Two Dead Girls) World's True 1st Edition.

[needfulthings]

http://imageshack.com/a/img908/5526/hkzAaZ.jpg
The Green Mile (The Two Dead Girls) 1st U.S.A. Edition went on sale March 27 1996.
http://imageshack.com/a/img911/9849/4aWqOe.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img911/925/xeNz9H.jpg
La Ligne Verte (Deux petites filles mortes) French 1st edition paperback went on sale March 14th 1996.
http://imageshack.com/a/img911/4186/D0oQFI.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/9923/T1izLR.jpg
But the True 1st Edition was a S'erie Limit'ee Hardcover (un-priced)released FEB 28 1996 almost a full month before the U.S.A. edition. This numbered limited edition (1of 000. total # unknown) also included a facsimile note and Stephen King signature.
http://imageshack.com/a/img907/5031/3lxFhY.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img910/9505/Z1E8uA.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img911/3742/9Bg4fm.jpg

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

This is the true 1st Edition...
http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man.jpg

And it has a real signature...

http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man1.jpg

[Randall Flagg]

I don't chase "World's First" editions. US first editions are generally the most collectible.

After a chance for discussion, I'm going to move/merge this thread in a day or two.

[jreitan47]

The only "World First Edition" I collected in my first time collecting years ago was the Geralds Game UK BCA edition, which I've since sold, however this time I have no interest in collecting it again.

[needfulthings]

This is the true 1st Edition...
http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man.jpg

And it has a real signature...

http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man1.jpg

I think you will find that is considered a proof & not available to the general public (Be it French or other wise.)

[needfulthings]

I don't chase "World's First" editions. US first editions are generally the most collectible.

After a chance for discussion, I'm going to move/merge this thread in a day or two.

Just because YOU don't "CHASE" World First Editions... Does not change what it is. GENERALLY SPEAKING.:lol:
Also correct me if I'm wrong..... But I think you have members from ALL OVER THE WORLD?

[herbertwest]

Another interesting "world first edition" is the german bootleg edition of ES, which, I believe, was published 6 months prior to the US release.

As well as the translation of BAD LITTLE KID, published a year and half prior to the original text. There were 30 printed french copies given away during a contest, and I own one of those which is slightly different from the ebook version.
I have never heard of any official printed german version?
Pictures >>> http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?10936-Book-Collection-herbertwest&p=851095&viewfull=1#post851095

[needfulthings]

And like the French La ligne verte the GERMAN over the counter paperback "ES" was also out before the U.S.A. release.
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/6755/rFtNT0.jpg

[mae]

To me still the first edition of any King book is the first US edition, because King is a US writer.

[Br!an]

To me still the first edition of any King book is the first US edition, because King is a US writer.

I generally agree. When I think first edition I think of the first trade edition in the language of the author. That edition usually being published in the author's own country.

There are many categories that can be created though if one broadens the definition.

I can see world first as a category. I would not call that true first though. Especially if the book, like ES, is a bootleg publication.

[jhanic]

This is the true 1st Edition...
http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man.jpg

And it has a real signature...

http://www.akyle.f2s.com/images/green_man1.jpg

The provenance I got with my copy shows it was sent out by Dutton Signet to the winner of the contest on August 29, 1996, far from the initial release date of the book itself.

John

[needfulthings]

To me still the first edition of any King book is the first US edition, because King is a US writer.

I generally agree. When I think first edition I think of the first trade edition in the language of the author. That edition usually being published in the author's own country.

There are many categories that can be created though if one broadens the definition.

I can see world first as a category. I would not call that true first though. Especially if the book, like ES, is a bootleg publication.

Legal or illegal the limited "ES" was still the 1st edition to go on sale (an apple rotten or not is still an apple) and that still leaves the Heyne (Who had the rights & may have jumped the gun) paperback edition.
"BROADEN THE DEFINITION?" I think you mean NARROW the definition to 1st U.S. EDITION.:lol:
O.K. lets take Henry Miller (American Writer) 1891-1980 wrote SEXUS in 1949 in Calif. U.S.A. This book was banned here & only printed in France & Japan and was not published here until 1965. So what are you telling me is that the U.S. 1965 printing is the TRUE 1st?

[Br!an]

Legal or illegal the limited "ES" was still the 1st edition to go on sale (an apple rotten or not is still an apple) and that still leaves the Heyne (Who had the rights & may have jumped the gun) paperback edition.
"BROADEN THE DEFINITION?" I think you mean NARROW the definition to 1st U.S. EDITION.:lol:
O.K. lets take Henry Miller (American Writer) 1891-1980 wrote SEXUS in 1949 in Calif. U.S.A. This book was banned here & only printed in France & Japan and was not published here until 1965. So what are you telling me is that the U.S. 1965 printing is the TRUE 1st?

ES is the world's first publication of IT by a thief. It isn't the first edition. It isn't the first trade edition. It isn't the first world edition. It isn't the true first edition. It is only the first bootleg edition. That in itself makes it unique. No use trying to make it more than it is.

As far as Henry Miller is concerned, he would have published in the US if the book wasn't banned.

[needfulthings]

All I can tell you is I bought both of these books in Germany in July of 1986.
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/6755/rFtNT0.jpg

[mae]

If it's in German, what the use? It's not the original text.

If an album or a movie is leaked online weeks or months before its official release date, do we have to consider the leak the official release then?

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

If it's in German, what the use? It's not the original text.


I agree. Why are we talking about foreign books here.

[needfulthings]

Because they exist and are written by King?

[herbertwest]

If it's in German, what the use? It's not the original text.


I agree. Why are we talking about foreign books here.

Because not everybody here lives in an english-speaking country and some of us collects "foreign" editions.
I agree that bootleg editions are a discussion (and I agree with the movie online leakings), but besides the discussion of what book is exactly the true "world first edition", I personally believe that those books are interesting.

[Theli]

I would never consider a bootleg a true first edition. However the French version of The Two Dead Girls I would consider the true first edition. It was the first official release sold to the public, regardless of language, I would think that makes it a true first edition. However with that said it could be arguable, as the text was originally written in English, the US (or UK, or Aussie, which ever came first) edition could also be considered the true first as it would be the first published edition of the finished text in the language written by the author. The country of publishing I don't think matters, but the language could. Tough call... definitely open to interpretation.

[carlosdetweiller]

Also, Edition Phantasia has adamantly stressed on their website that their limited edition of ES is not a bootleg (as is commonly stated here in the US). I can't recall the details but they claim they had the rights to publish the book. They used to have an English language version of their website but I cannot find it right now. Maybe one of our German speaking members like Frank (stockerlone) can direct us to their explanation of how the book came to be published and the subsequent difficulties.

[Theli]

Also, Edition Phantasia has adamantly stressed on their website that their limited edition of ES is not a bootleg (as is commonly stated here in the US). I can't recall the details but they claim they had the rights to publish the book. They used to have an English language version of their website but I cannot find it right now. Maybe one of our German speaking members like Frank (stockerlone) can direct us to their explanation of how the book came to be published and the subsequent difficulties.

I think I recall reading a while back that it had something to do with a breach of contract involving the earlier release. I could be wrong though.

[carlosdetweiller]

Also, Edition Phantasia has adamantly stressed on their website that their limited edition of ES is not a bootleg (as is commonly stated here in the US). I can't recall the details but they claim they had the rights to publish the book. They used to have an English language version of their website but I cannot find it right now. Maybe one of our German speaking members like Frank (stockerlone) can direct us to their explanation of how the book came to be published and the subsequent difficulties.

I think I recall reading a while back that it had something to do with a breach of contract involving the earlier release. I could be wrong though.

I don't remember the specifics either. But they answered the question with a rather lengthy essay that was permanently accessible on their website and definitely readable in English. I just can't seem to find it now.

[Bev Vincent]

I found this on an archived version of their site:

A limited edition of Stephen Kings NEBEL (THE MIST) was illustrated by Herbert Brandmeier, who also illustrated and signed DAS NACHTMEER (THE NIGHT OCEAN), a collection by H. P. Lovecraft featuring severel stories unpublished in Germany. Due to difficulties with the author, NEBEL was taken back by King's German mass market publisher; a large part of the printrun of 500 copies were destroyed, although it was not - as often quoted by American sources, not the least Stephen King himself - a bootleg edition. Because of that (and for being the world-only seperate edition of THE MIST) it is by now the most thought-after and expensive book Edition Phantasia has ever done.

[needfulthings]

I found this on an archived version of their site:

A limited edition of Stephen Kings NEBEL (THE MIST) was illustrated by Herbert Brandmeier, who also illustrated and signed DAS NACHTMEER (THE NIGHT OCEAN), a collection by H. P. Lovecraft featuring severel stories unpublished in Germany. Due to difficulties with the author, NEBEL was taken back by King's German mass market publisher; a large part of the printrun of 500 copies were destroyed, although it was not - as often quoted by American sources, not the least Stephen King himself - a bootleg edition. Because of that (and for being the world-only seperate edition of THE MIST) it is by now the most thought-after and expensive book Edition Phantasia has ever done.
:wtf: Did they just say that KING himself said that NEBEL (The Mist) IS NOT A BOOTLEG EDITION?

[Bev Vincent]

No, just the opposite. The publisher says it is not a bootleg, contrary to what King has been quoted as saying.

[needfulthings]

THANK YOU... Even if the problem was resolved after the fact ...I don't think we will ever know. IMHO If it turned out it was not a bootleg I don't think King would admit we was wrong & what would be the purpose? "WATER OVER THE DAM"
But then if KING got a residuals check from Edition Phantasia & it were cashed.:evil:.....:lol::lol:

[needfulthings]

And now a story in Kings favor & to show that Heyne is not above reproach in Nov 1987 I went to a Dennis Etchison signing & presented this book to be signed. I was asked by him if I could get him a Xerox of the cover because he had been told that Heyne had never published this title.
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8026/mAsqFB.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img905/4264/7y2qGD.jpg

[jhanic]

And now a story in Kings favor & to show that Heyne is not above reproach in Nov 1987 I went to a Dennis Etchison signing & presented this book to be signed. I was asked by him if I could get him a Xerox of the cover because he had been told that Heyne had never published this title.
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8026/mAsqFB.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img905/4264/7y2qGD.jpg


For some reason, I can't see your pics.

John

[zelig]

Yeah, I also can't see them.

[TCCBodhi]

Probably something to do with whatever new hell ImageShack has done. Perhaps this method of linking to the pics will work?
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8026/mAsqFB.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img905/4264/7y2qGD.jpg

[jhanic]

I get a 404 Not Found message with both those links.

John

[zelig]

Those links work for me.

[Randall Flagg]

http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8026/mAsqFB.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8026/mAsqFB.jpg

[carlosdetweiller]

I found this letter from King openly calling Barry Levin out for selling the "bootleg" (King's term) edition of Nebel and referring to Es in the process. This was published in Mystery Scene, July/August 1991. I really wish I could find the essay from Edition Phantasia that refutes the "bootleg" status of Es.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/lettertolevin_zpsiqtz24zv.jpg

[needfulthings]

Question.
If Edition Phanitasia knew that "ES" was a bootleg with only a print run of 250 copies. Why would they send copies to Underwood & Miller to sell knowing that they had published Fear Itself as a King S/L in 1982 & knowing that they knew King? Was this not like waving a red flag in front of a bull?
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/5200/3UHtby.jpg

and why did King not take Underwood & Miller to task for selling "ES"?
FYI Barry R. Levin still has Nebel listed for $8,000

[herbertwest]

And the worst bit is that the illustrations have NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY !

[Ari_Racing]

I found this letter from King openly calling Barry Levin out for selling the "bootleg" (King's term) edition of Nebel and referring to Es in the process. This was published in Mystery Scene, July/August 1991. I really wish I could find the essay from Edition Phantasia that refutes the "bootleg" status of Es.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/lettertolevin_zpsiqtz24zv.jpg

Where was it published? (the essay where he refutes the bootleg status of ES)

[herbertwest]

Per Justin's bibliography : Mystery Scence #30, july-august of 1991.
I remember that Bob shared it online in the past, interesting letter!

[carlosdetweiller]

Where was it published? (the essay where he refutes the bootleg status of ES)

Unless my memory is playing tricks on me (which seems more and more likely these days) it was written by the publisher/owner of Edition Phantasia and was posted on the EP website for anyone to read. I do recall that the EP website used to have an English language option as well as the German language for the main site. But I can't find that now and Frank (stockerlone) does not remember the essay and does not remember that EP ever had their website in English. Maybe I dreamed all of this but I don't think so. I have sent an e-mail to Mr. Korber for clarification and I'll let you know if I hear back from him.

[Ari_Racing]

Where was it published? (the essay where he refutes the bootleg status of ES)

Unless my memory is playing tricks on me (which seems more and more likely these days) it was written by the publisher/owner of Edition Phantasia and was posted on the EP website for anyone to read. I do recall that the EP website used to have an English language option as well as the German language for the main site. But I can't find that now and Frank (stockerlone) does not remember the essay and does not remember that EP ever had their website in English. Maybe I dreamed all of this but I don't think so. I have sent an e-mail to Mr. Korber for clarification and I'll let you know if I hear back from him.

Thanks!

[zelig]

Will be interesting to see what he says if you hear back.

[Bev Vincent]

I was able to find English content on their website using the way back machine--including "the secret history of Editions Phantasia" but nothing yet that addresses Es.

[carlosdetweiller]

I was able to find English content on their website using the way back machine--including "the secret history of Editions Phantasia" but nothing yet that addresses Es.

Do you have a link for that "secret history"?

IIRC, the story on ES was that they had a clear copyright clearance to do the limited edition and did so. Somehow the permission was denied but it was denied well after the book had already been published. The essay was their side of the story and claimed that they did nothing wrong or illegal. I hope I can find it somewhere.

[Bev Vincent]

Try this: https://web.archive.org/web/20020212023520/http://www.edition-phantasia.de/english/index.htm

[Bev Vincent]

If you click on the link at the bottom of the page, you find this:

Stephen King
ES (IT)
ISBN 3-924959-06-4
Limited edition of 250 copies. World first edition. Published six months before the American edition and following a manuscript which was authorized by King's agent for translation, but later revised by the author, thus differing from the American edition. (Out of print)

Stephen King
NEBEL (THE MIST)
ISBN 3-924959-10-2
First separate German edition. Illustrated by Herbert Brandmeier. Signed by the artist.
Limited edition of 500 copies. Nearly the whole edition was destroyed on command of the author, who was obviously not informed of the project by his German mass market publisher, who authorized the limited editon. It is not a bootleg edition, as often quoted. (Out of print)

[carlosdetweiller]

If you click on the link at the bottom of the page, you find this:

Stephen King
ES (IT)
ISBN 3-924959-06-4
Limited edition of 250 copies. World first edition. Published six months before the American edition and following a manuscript which was authorized by King's agent for translation, but later revised by the author, thus differing from the American edition. (Out of print)

Stephen King
NEBEL (THE MIST)
ISBN 3-924959-10-2
First separate German edition. Illustrated by Herbert Brandmeier. Signed by the artist.
Limited edition of 500 copies. Nearly the whole edition was destroyed on command of the author, who was obviously not informed of the project by his German mass market publisher, who authorized the limited editon. It is not a bootleg edition, as often quoted. (Out of print)

Thanks, Bev. This info combined with the "secret history" may be what I remember reading.

[Ari_Racing]

Isn't a not authorized edition a bootleg?

[mae]

Yeah I don't get how you can get past their own contradictory statement: "Nearly the whole edition was destroyed on command of the author, who was obviously not informed of the project by his German mass market publisher, who authorized the limited editon. It is not a bootleg edition, as often quoted."

[Br!an]

King had a deal with Heyne-Verlag. Heyne-Verlag made a deal with Editions Phantasia to produce the limited edition. King didn't authorize a limited edition and Heyne-Verlag apparently overstepped themselves by making the deal with Editions Phantasia.

I think that Editions Phantasia is defining bootleg as the illegal production of a copyrighted work. They claim they were not acting illegally. While Editions Phantasia may well have thought they had the rights to publish they did not