The points of issue
Walker hardcover, ISBN 0-8027-1343-2. Walker trade editions of this era are identified by the absence of any later-printing statement, typically together with a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; later printings add a higher printing statement or advance the number line. First-issue jacket carries the printed price.
Is this the true first?
US Walker is the true first, preceding the UK (Fourth Estate) edition. Distinct from Longitude (Walker, 1995), which is already cataloged.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue of note; confusion is with later Walker printings. A number line ending in 1 (or no later-printing statement) plus the printed-price jacket identifies the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Longitude — deeper Sobel: Galileo's Daughter a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Walker hardcover, ISBN 0-8027-1343-2. Walker trade editions of this era are identified by the absence of any later-printing statement, typically together with a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; later printings add a higher printing statement or advance the number line. First-issue jacket carries the printed price.
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 Walker is the true first, preceding the UK (Fourth Estate) edition. Distinct from Longitude (Walker, 1995), which is already cataloged.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue of note; confusion is with later Walker printings. A number line ending in 1 (or no later-printing statement) plus the printed-price jacket identifies the first.
I have a first edition of Longitude — deeper Sobel: Galileo's Daughter — 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.