Prime Evil

Edition details

Editor: Douglas E. Winter

Publisher: Bantam Press (London, 1988)

Format: Hardcover in Original Publisher's Red Velvet-Lined Clamshell Traycase

Edition: Certified True UK Deluxe Limited First Edition (Strictly 250 Copies Worldwide)

Item Description

Up for sale is an exceptionally scarce piece of modern horror publishing history: the Bantam Press UK Deluxe Signed and Numbered Limited Edition of "Prime Evil," published in 1988. While the US deluxe variant was limited to 1,000 copies, this legendary UK counterpart was strictly restricted to only 250 total copies for sale in the United Kingdom. This specific copy is hand-numbered #198.

This anthology stands as one of the landmark modern horror milestones of the late 1980s, containing the true first appearance of Stephen King's famous novella The Night Flier. It features a multi-page signature sheet individually hand-signed by Stephen King and all 13 other iconic horror contributors, creating an unmatched concentration of legendary genre autographs in a single volume:

Stephen King

Clive Barker

Peter Straub

Thomas Ligotti

David Morrell (Author of First Blood / Rambo)

Douglas E. Winter (Editor), Whitley Strieber, Ramsey Campbell, Jack Cady, Charles L. Grant, Thomas Tessier, M. John Harrison, Paul Hazel, Dennis Etchison, and artist Thomas Canty.

This is a serious shelf piece representing a remarkable moment in modern horror publishing. For serious collectors of Stephen King, Clive Barker, Thomas Ligotti, signed anthologies, or rare modern genre fiction, it is an investment-grade centerpiece.

Provenance

This copy comes directly from my family’s personal collection, where it has been securely in our possession for approximately 20 years. It has been meticulously preserved strictly as a prized collectible rather than handled as an ordinary reading copy, and it is now being offered to another dedicated horror collector who will appreciate its rarity.

Condition

Very Good+ Collectible Hardcover in Original Publisher's Red Velvet-Lined Traycase. The book presents beautifully, with pristine black leatherette binding, sharp corners, and bright, unrubbed gold foil spine lettering. The internal binding is completely sound and the pages are clean, white, and unread. Housed entirely within the original publisher's protective black traycase, which shows only light shelf and handling wear from long-term shelving. Issued without a dust jacket. Please review all photos carefully, as they form an important part of the overall condition description.

Collector Details

The limitation/signature page and copy number are shown clearly in the photos. This volume has not been sourced from an ex-library collection, features no remainder marks, and has no previous ownership writing or personal bookplates noted. Additional close-up photos of the signatures, traycase corners, or specific condition points are gladly available upon request.

30-Day Return Policy

I want the buyer to feel completely confident in this purchase. Returns are accepted within 30 days if the item is not precisely as described. Because this is an irreplaceable, ultra-limited signed book, it must be returned safely in the exact same condition in which it was received, with the book, custom traycase, and all original structural components included.

Shipping and Service

Buyer pays calculated UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail shipping based on your preference. This exceptionally rare piece will be wrapped extensively in thick bubble wrap and packaged securely inside a heavy-duty cardboard shipping box to safeguard its condition. Before shipment, I always provide photos of the packed box and shipping label for your confirmation. For absolute buyer and seller protection, the shipment will include full tracking, required signature confirmation, and shipping coverage is limited to $100, subject to the selected service’s terms. I take collectible books seriously and will package this signed limited edition with the utmost care for a safe arrival.