# Is "Job: A Comedy of Justice" by Robert A. Heinlein a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Job: A Comedy of Justice by Robert A. Heinlein (Del Rey / Ballantine, 1984) is identified by: Copyright page reads First Edition: September 1984 with a full descending number line ending in 1. The U.S.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Copyright page reads First Edition: September 1984 with a full descending number line ending in 1
- First-issue jacket is unclipped with the original printed price
- Quarter cloth over paper boards with spine lettering
- Publisher imprint reads Del Rey / Ballantine
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert A. Heinlein |
| Publisher | Del Rey / Ballantine |
| Year | 1984 |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Copyright page reads First Edition: September 1984 with a full descending number line ending in 1 |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Copyright page reads First Edition: September 1984 with a full descending number line ending in 1. First-issue jacket is unclipped with the original printed price. Quarter cloth over paper boards with spine lettering.

## Is this the true first?
The U.S. Del Rey/Ballantine hardcover of 1984 is the true first edition. A signed limited edition was also issued, comprising 750 numbered copies plus 26 lettered copies; that limited is distinct from the trade first.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition lacks the printed jacket price and the stated First Edition / number line of the trade printing, and carries a blind stamp on the rear board.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Job: A Comedy of Justice* by Robert A. Heinlein a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/job-a-comedy-of-justice
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.