The points of issue
Doubleday hardcover with 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page and no later-printing indication; dust jacket carries a price on the front flap. Doubleday's stated 'First Edition' is the primary point of issue for the trade first.
Is this the true first?
The US Doubleday 1971 hardcover is the true first. Doubleday also produced the Science Fiction Book Club printing, so trade-first versus book-club state must be checked carefully. Won the 1971 Nebula Award for Best Novel.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition has no price on the jacket front flap and a blind-stamp impressed in the lower rear board, and it lacks the 'First Edition' statement. Note that Doubleday gutter codes appear on both trade and book-club printings and therefore do not by themselves distinguish a first edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Time of Changes a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Doubleday hardcover with 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page and no later-printing indication; dust jacket carries a price on the front flap. Doubleday's stated 'First Edition' is the primary point of issue for the trade first.
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. The US Doubleday 1971 hardcover is the true first. Doubleday also produced the Science Fiction Book Club printing, so trade-first versus book-club state must be checked carefully. Won the 1971 Nebula Award for Best Novel.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition has no price on the jacket front flap and a blind-stamp impressed in the lower rear board, and it lacks the 'First Edition' statement. Note that Doubleday gutter codes appear on both trade and book-club printings and therefore do not by themselves distinguish a first edition.
I have a first edition of A Time of Changes — 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.