The points of issue
Victor Gollancz, London, 1973, first hardcover edition in boards with the original unclipped dust jacket. Collection of twelve stories assembled for the UK market, including the Hugo-winning title story.
Is this the true first?
The Gollancz hardcover is the true first edition of this collection; there was no earlier US edition under this title (the US Ballantine paperback followed). Individual stories had appeared earlier in US magazines and other collections.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Inconstant Moon a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Victor Gollancz, London, 1973, first hardcover edition in boards with the original unclipped dust jacket. Collection of twelve stories assembled for the UK market, including the Hugo-winning title story.
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 Gollancz hardcover is the true first edition of this collection; there was no earlier US edition under this title (the US Ballantine paperback followed). Individual stories had appeared earlier in US magazines and other collections.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition.
I have a first edition of Inconstant Moon — 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.