The points of issue
Collection of six stories. The first edition is the US Bluejay Books trade paperback, December 1985, first printing stated; issued in pictorial wrappers with cover art by James Warhola. The title novella later became the basis of a film and television series.
Is this the true first?
US Bluejay trade paperback is the true first of the expanded six-story collection.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The title novella appeared earlier in shorter form, including an expanded novella version in Dell's 1981 Binary Star No. 5 double volume paired with Vernor Vinge's True Names; later Tor and other reprints of the collection differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nightflyers a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Collection of six stories. The first edition is the US Bluejay Books trade paperback, December 1985, first printing stated; issued in pictorial wrappers with cover art by James Warhola. The title novella later became the basis of a film and television series.
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 Bluejay trade paperback is the true first of the expanded six-story collection.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The title novella appeared earlier in shorter form, including an expanded novella version in Dell's 1981 Binary Star No. 5 double volume paired with Vernor Vinge's True Names; later Tor and other reprints of the collection differ.
I have a first edition of Nightflyers — 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.