The points of issue
US Del Rey (Ballantine) mass-market paperback original, first printing dated April 1988; first printing identified by a complete number line. This is McAuley's debut novel and the true first edition.
Is this the true first?
The US Del Rey paperback original was published in April 1988, ahead of the UK Victor Gollancz hardcover that appeared later the same year. Dealer cataloguing (L.W. Currey and others) describes the Gollancz as the first British and first hardcover edition, which confirms the Del Rey paperback original holds precedence as the true first. It was the Philip K. Dick Award co-winner (a tie) for the best original paperback of 1988, announced in 1989.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The UK Gollancz hardcover of 1988 is a distinct, separately collectible state and the first hardcover, but it follows the US Del Rey paperback. Later reissues are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Four Hundred Billion Stars a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Del Rey (Ballantine) mass-market paperback original, first printing dated April 1988; first printing identified by a complete number line. This is McAuley's debut novel and the true first edition.
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. The US Del Rey paperback original was published in April 1988, ahead of the UK Victor Gollancz hardcover that appeared later the same year. Dealer cataloguing (L.W. Currey and others) describes the Gollancz as the first British and first hardcover edition, which confirms the Del Rey paperback origin
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The UK Gollancz hardcover of 1988 is a distinct, separately collectible state and the first hardcover, but it follows the US Del Rey paperback. Later reissues are reprints.
I have a first edition of Four Hundred Billion Stars — 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.