The points of issue
First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with no book-club gutter code. Quarter pink and black cloth with gilt spine lettering; price on the front jacket flap in the Russell FitzGerald illustrated wrapper. One of Delany's few first-appearance hardcovers.
Is this the true first?
The US Doubleday hardcover is the true first, preceding the UK Gollancz issue and all paperbacks. The 'First Edition' statement with no gutter code denotes the trade first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Doubleday book-club issue carries the blindstamped gutter code on the rear board and an unpriced 'Book Club Edition' jacket on thinner boards. Note a textual point: the trade first omits roughly a page of text late in the book, which the later club issue restored.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Nova a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with no book-club gutter code. Quarter pink and black cloth with gilt spine lettering; price on the front jacket flap in the Russell FitzGerald illustrated wrapper. One of Delany's few first-appearance hardcovers.
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 US Doubleday hardcover is the true first, preceding the UK Gollancz issue and all paperbacks. The 'First Edition' statement with no gutter code denotes the trade first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Doubleday book-club issue carries the blindstamped gutter code on the rear board and an unpriced 'Book Club Edition' jacket on thinner boards. Note a textual point: the trade first omits roughly a page of text late in the book, which the later club issue restored.
I have a first edition of Nova — 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.