# Is "Astounding Science-Fiction (pulp magazine)" by various (ed. John W. Campbell) a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Astounding Science-Fiction (pulp magazine) by various (ed. John W. Campbell) (Street & Smith, 1930 onward) is identified by: Iconic pulp central to SF's Golden Age. Original issues are the first appearances; no edition states.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Iconic pulp central to SF's Golden Age
- Key collectible issues by date/contents: first appearances such as Asimov's 'Nightfall' (Sept
- 1941), the 'Foundation' stories (1942 onward), Heinlein's early work, and the issue containing the controversial 'Deadline' atomic-bomb story (Cleve Cartmill, March 1944)
- Single printing per issue; identified by cover date and verified contents
- Publisher imprint reads Street & Smith
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | various (ed. John W. Campbell) |
| Publisher | Street & Smith |
| Year | 1930 onward |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Iconic pulp central to SF's Golden Age |
| Book-club edition exists? | No |

## Points of issue
Iconic pulp central to SF's Golden Age. Key collectible issues by date/contents: first appearances such as Asimov's 'Nightfall' (Sept. 1941), the 'Foundation' stories (1942 onward), Heinlein's early work, and the issue containing the controversial 'Deadline' atomic-bomb story (Cleve Cartmill, March 1944). Single printing per issue; identified by cover date and verified contents.

## Is this the true first?
Original issues are the first appearances; no edition states. Value is per-issue based on landmark first appearances and condition.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club analog. Distinguish original Street & Smith issues from bound library volumes and any facsimiles; correct date, volume/number and intact original wraps define the collectible first.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Astounding Science-Fiction (pulp magazine)* by various (ed. John W. Campbell) a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/astounding-science-fiction-pulp-magazine
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.