The points of issue
St. Martin's Press hardcover, 1977, is the desired first. First printing in blue textured boards with Boris Vallejo jacket art; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap and shows no later-printing statement. Swept the major awards (Nebula, Hugo, Locus, and Campbell).
Is this the true first?
US St. Martin's (1977) is the true first; the UK Gollancz edition is separate. Included for completeness of Locus-winner coverage.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Science Fiction Book Club edition: no price on the jacket, blind-stamp (gutter code) on the rear board, and 'Book Club Edition' on the flap.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gateway (note: Pohl 1977 trilogy first) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: St. Martin's Press hardcover, 1977, is the desired first. First printing in blue textured boards with Boris Vallejo jacket art; first-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap and shows no later-printing statement. Swept the major awards (Nebula, Hugo, Locus, and Campbell).
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 St. Martin's (1977) is the true first; the UK Gollancz edition is separate. Included for completeness of Locus-winner coverage.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Science Fiction Book Club edition: no price on the jacket, blind-stamp (gutter code) on the rear board, and 'Book Club Edition' on the flap.
I have a first edition of Gateway (note: Pohl 1977 trilogy first) — 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.