The points of issue
Crowell first hardcover; original dust jacket priced. Silverberg's first published book, a juvenile science fiction novel.
Is this the true first?
US Thomas Y. Crowell first hardcover is the true first; later reprinted in paperback by Scholastic.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition for the first; later Scholastic paperback is a reprint, not a club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Revolt on Alpha C a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Crowell first hardcover; original dust jacket priced. Silverberg's first published book, a juvenile science fiction novel.
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 Thomas Y. Crowell first hardcover is the true first; later reprinted in paperback by Scholastic.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition for the first; later Scholastic paperback is a reprint, not a club issue.
I have a first edition of Revolt on Alpha C — 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.