The points of issue
First edition, first printing has 'FIRST PRINTING' stated on the copyright page (no later printings listed). Black spine over sky-blue boards, silver and blue spine lettering; pictorial film-still dust jacket, priced. Developed alongside the Kubrick film.
Is this the true first?
US New American Library 1968 is the first hardcover; the UK Hutchinson 1968 hardcover follows. An NAL/Signet paperback also appeared in 1968.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Science Fiction Book Club edition has a blindstamp and no flap price; common. Film tie-in paperbacks are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of 2001: A Space Odyssey a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing has 'FIRST PRINTING' stated on the copyright page (no later printings listed). Black spine over sky-blue boards, silver and blue spine lettering; pictorial film-still dust jacket, priced. Developed alongside the Kubrick film.
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. US New American Library 1968 is the first hardcover; the UK Hutchinson 1968 hardcover follows. An NAL/Signet paperback also appeared in 1968.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Science Fiction Book Club edition has a blindstamp and no flap price; common. Film tie-in paperbacks are reprints.
I have a first edition of 2001: A Space Odyssey — 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.