Scope and Coverage

Each BiblioVerify record  includes sufficient data to identify the first printing of the book, as well as subsequent printings and editions of interest to researchers and collectors. For many of the subject authors, no adequate bibliography or checklist is available elsewhere, and a substantial amount of original research was required to prepare their checklists. None of these lists is intended to replace a comprehensive author checklist or descriptive bibliography. However, where possible, considerable effort was made to supplement or correct previously published bibliographical data when these bibliographies were found to be outdated or inaccurate. Over ninety-eight percent of the listed titles have been examined by the compilers, including all known printings and states and issues within the first printing, as well as binding and dust jacket variants.

Entries for items not seen by the compilers are indicated by an asterisk following the title. Although titles so marked are potential ghost entries, they have been included when reliable information has been obtained from secondary sources. This procedure has laid to rest a high percentage of phantom titles listed in earlier bibliographies and corrected much previously published misinformation. Some of the lists are more detailed than others, and a few can only be regarded as a foundation upon which a more substantial checklist can be constructed. Nevertheless, partial information is preferable to no information. By publishing what is known, the compilers hope to stimulate further bibliographical inquiry.

BiblioVerify's author checklists are designed to provide two primary services: (1) to present for each subject author a complete record of all fiction and selected nonfiction published in book, pamphlet, or broadside format; and (2) to present descriptions which will enable the reader to identify both first printings and any other significant printings and editions. To aid researchers and collectors, in addition to a description of the first printing of the first edition, a description of the first hardcover printing of any book preceded by a paperback printing (or printings) has been provided. Moreover, later printings or editions with title changes or revised texts, as well as reprint collections with rearranged contents, abridgments, or enlargements are included. These supplementary entries follow the main entry under the heading "ALSO," or in the case of title changes are positioned in their appropriate alphabetical location within the author checklist. Most double-novel reprint collections are omitted. These include new combinations of Ace Doubles, Science Fiction Book Club combinations of Edgar Rice Burroughs's Mars series (SWORDS OF MARS AND SYNTHETIC MEN OF MARS, THUVIA, MAID OF MARS AND THE CHESSMAN OF MARS , and others), and various combinations of H. G. Wells's novels issued in London by The Literary Press and Odhams (later re-issued by Collins). The first English-language printing is given preference even if a foreign-language printing was issued earlier (as was ORPHANS OF THE SKY by Robert A. Heinlein). Earlier printings in the English language published outside the United States and the United Kingdom are generally excluded (THE SIGN OF THE BURNING HART by David H. Keller for example).

Each author checklist provides a core list of book fiction, including prose dramatic works. Where applicable, additional sections include: (1) edited books of fiction; (2) translated books of fiction; (3) associational fiction (books by others based on the subject author's fictional work); (4) nonfiction relating to science fiction and fantasy, autobiography, interviews, letters, and journals (other nonfiction, poetry, and verse plays are being added as a time permits). Periodical literature is excluded.

Each author checklist provides the following data: (1) title; (2) place of publication, publisher, and date of publication; (3) binding; (4) transcription of publisher's statement of printing (where present). In addition, where applicable, printings, states, and issues are recorded, as are binding and dust jacket variants. Book stock number and price are provided for all mass-market paperback titles. Titles forming part of a numbered series are indicated. Miscellaneous notes provide additional information on printing, binding, or distribution for many entries.

A pseudonym index provides access to those authors better known under their literary pen names.