The points of issue
Cosmere story collection. US Tor hardcover published November 22, 2016; 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a number line including 1. Contains the first appearance of the novella 'Edgedancer,' later issued as a standalone volume in 2017.
Is this the true first?
The UK Gollancz hardcover was published November 10, 2016, twelve days before the US Tor edition, so the Gollancz edition is technically the true first; the US Tor first printing remains the standard collected US edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Cosmere story collection. US Tor hardcover published November 22, 2016; 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a number line including 1. Contains the first appearance of the novella 'Edgedancer,' later issued as a standalone volume in 2017.
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 UK Gollancz hardcover was published November 10, 2016, twelve days before the US Tor edition, so the Gollancz edition is technically the true first; the US Tor first printing remains the standard collected US edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line.
I have a first edition of Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection — 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.