The points of issue
St. Martin's hardcover with 'First edition' stated on the copyright page. Priced jacket. Heavily revised and reissued by St. Martin's in 1988 as 'Treason', a distinct first-thus.
Is this the true first?
US St. Martin's hardcover (1979) is the true first; the 1988 'Treason' is a revised text, a distinct first-thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Dell paperback followed in 1980; a UK Pan paperback followed later.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Planet Called Treason a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: St. Martin's hardcover with 'First edition' stated on the copyright page. Priced jacket. Heavily revised and reissued by St. Martin's in 1988 as 'Treason', a distinct first-thus.
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 St. Martin's hardcover (1979) is the true first; the 1988 'Treason' is a revised text, a distinct first-thus.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Dell paperback followed in 1980; a UK Pan paperback followed later.
I have a first edition of A Planet Called Treason — 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.