The points of issue
The first US hardcover was the Science Fiction Book Club edition issued by Nelson Doubleday in 1970. As a book club issue it does NOT state "First Edition," carries an unpriced jacket, and shows the usual book-club blind stamp on the rear board. Do not expect a stated "First Edition" or a priced trade jacket for this title.
Is this the true first?
No separate Doubleday trade hardcover was issued; the first US hardcover appearance was the Nelson Doubleday / Science Fiction Book Club edition. The novel was serialized in Galaxy (November 1969 to March 1970) before book publication.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book club issue IS effectively the first hardcover here, so the usual "book club versus trade" distinction does not apply; standard book-club markers (no stated first, unpriced jacket, gutter blind stamp) are present on the first hardcover itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Downward to the Earth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The first US hardcover was the Science Fiction Book Club edition issued by Nelson Doubleday in 1970. As a book club issue it does NOT state "First Edition," carries an unpriced jacket, and shows the usual book-club blind stamp on the rear board. Do not expect a stated "First Edition" or a priced trade jacket for this title.
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. No separate Doubleday trade hardcover was issued; the first US hardcover appearance was the Nelson Doubleday / Science Fiction Book Club edition. The novel was serialized in Galaxy (November 1969 to March 1970) before book publication.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book club issue IS effectively the first hardcover here, so the usual "book club versus trade" distinction does not apply; standard book-club markers (no stated first, unpriced jacket, gutter blind stamp) are present on the first hardcover itself.
I have a first edition of Downward to the Earth — 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.