# Is "Born with the Dead" by Robert Silverberg a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Born with the Dead by Robert Silverberg (Random House, 1974) is identified by: 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete descending number line (for example 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2) per Random House convention; priced dust jacket. US Random House first hardcover edition, 1974, titled 'Born with the Dead: Three Novellas.'

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete descending number line (for example 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2) per Random House convention; priced dust jacket
- Collects three novellas; the title novella won the Nebula
- Publisher imprint reads Random House
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Silverberg |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Year | 1974 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete descending number line (for example 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2) per Random House… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a complete descending number line (for example 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2) per Random House convention; priced dust jacket. Collects three novellas; the title novella won the Nebula.

## Is this the true first?
US Random House first hardcover edition, 1974, titled 'Born with the Dead: Three Novellas.'

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition lacks the 'First Edition' statement and number line, has a blind-stamped device on the rear board, and an unpriced jacket.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Born with the Dead* by Robert Silverberg a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/born-with-the-dead
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.