# Is "Code to Zero" by Ken Follett a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Code to Zero by Ken Follett (Dutton, 2000) is identified by: This record identifies the US Dutton, 2000, hardcover, which is not the true first. The UK Macmillan (London) hardcover, 2000, is the true first edition and precedes the US Dutton edition.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- This record identifies the US Dutton, 2000, hardcover, which is not the true first
- The Dutton first printing shows a full number line descending to 1; the dust jacket should retain its printed flap price
- Publisher imprint reads Dutton
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Ken Follett |
| Publisher | Dutton |
| Year | 2000 |
| True first | UK edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | This record identifies the US Dutton, 2000, hardcover, which is not the true first |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
This record identifies the US Dutton, 2000, hardcover, which is not the true first. The Dutton first printing shows a full number line descending to 1; the dust jacket should retain its printed flap price.

## Is this the true first?
The UK Macmillan (London) hardcover, 2000, is the true first edition and precedes the US Dutton edition. The Macmillan first printing carries the complete number line 1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 (the descending odds followed by the descending evens, including 1). The US Dutton edition described here is a later, separate issue.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions and later reprints lack the complete first-printing number line ending in 1; UK book-club copies are typically smaller and note the club on the jacket.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Code to Zero* by Ken Follett a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/code-to-zero
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.