# Is "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson (Avon Books, New York, 1999) is identified by: First printing states 'First Avon Books Printing: May 1999' on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1. The US Avon hardcover (May 1999) is the true first, preceding the UK William Heinemann edition (also 1999).

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- First printing states 'First Avon Books Printing: May 1999' on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1
- Black paper boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket with the printed price on the front flap
- Publisher imprint reads Avon Books, New York
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Neal Stephenson |
| Publisher | Avon Books, New York |
| Year | 1999 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | First printing states 'First Avon Books Printing: May 1999' on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1 |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
First printing states 'First Avon Books Printing: May 1999' on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1. Black paper boards with gilt spine lettering, in dust jacket with the printed price on the front flap.

## Is this the true first?
The US Avon hardcover (May 1999) is the true first, preceding the UK William Heinemann edition (also 1999). A signed limited issue exists but was not the trade first; verify the 'First Avon Books Printing: May 1999' line plus a number line ending in 1.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition is unpriced ('Book Club Edition' flap), typically smaller in trim with a rear-board gutter dot, and the 'First Avon Books Printing' statement and full number line are absent or altered.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Cryptonomicon* by Neal Stephenson a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/cryptonomicon
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.