The points of issue
Arbor House hardcover, copyright 1986 (publication generally cited as January 1987). The first printing has the complete number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page. Won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel (presented 1988).
Is this the true first?
The US Arbor House edition, copyright 1986, is the true first; confirm the Arbor House imprint and the full number line. UK editions are later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club edition exists and typically lacks the full Arbor House number line; later printings remove the lower digits. Confirm the complete 10-to-1 line on the copyright page rather than relying on jacket details.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Replay a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Arbor House hardcover, copyright 1986 (publication generally cited as January 1987). The first printing has the complete number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page. Won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel (presented 1988).
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 Arbor House edition, copyright 1986, is the true first; confirm the Arbor House imprint and the full number line. UK editions are later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club edition exists and typically lacks the full Arbor House number line; later printings remove the lower digits. Confirm the complete 10-to-1 line on the copyright page rather than relying on jacket details.
I have a first edition of Replay — 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.