The points of issue
UK Macmillan hardcover, 2004, with dust jacket. A signed, slipcased Macmillan limited edition of 1,000 copies was also issued in 2004. Third Bas-Lag / New Crobuzon novel.
Is this the true first?
The UK Macmillan hardcover of 2004 is the true first; it precedes or parallels the US Del Rey hardcover of 2004. The book won the 2005 Arthur C. Clarke Award and the 2004 BSFA Award. Signed copies are common.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The US Del Rey hardcover is the 'first US' edition; later printings are reprints.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Iron Council a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Macmillan hardcover, 2004, with dust jacket. A signed, slipcased Macmillan limited edition of 1,000 copies was also issued in 2004. Third Bas-Lag / New Crobuzon novel.
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 UK Macmillan hardcover of 2004 is the true first; it precedes or parallels the US Del Rey hardcover of 2004. The book won the 2005 Arthur C. Clarke Award and the 2004 BSFA Award. Signed copies are common.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The US Del Rey hardcover is the 'first US' edition; later printings are reprints.
I have a first edition of Iron Council — 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.