The points of issue
Martin's first novel. US Simon & Schuster hardcover, 1977; brown cloth with gilt lettering. Trade first issue carries the publisher's printed price on the jacket flap; the common book-club edition is identified by a gutter code (for example I 20 on page 276) and an unpriced jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Simon & Schuster true first book edition; an abridged version was serialized earlier in Analog as After the Festival (1977), and the UK edition followed.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition is frequent: gutter code in the text block and no printed price on the jacket; trade firsts have the priced, unclipped jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Dying of the Light a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Martin's first novel. US Simon & Schuster hardcover, 1977; brown cloth with gilt lettering. Trade first issue carries the publisher's printed price on the jacket flap; the common book-club edition is identified by a gutter code (for example I 20 on page 276) and an unpriced jacket.
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. US Simon & Schuster true first book edition; an abridged version was serialized earlier in Analog as After the Festival (1977), and the UK edition followed.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition is frequent: gutter code in the text block and no printed price on the jacket; trade firsts have the priced, unclipped jacket.
I have a first edition of Dying of the Light — 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.