The points of issue
Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention). Trade dust jacket is priced on the front flap. Bridges the Robot and Foundation series.
Is this the true first?
The US Doubleday trade edition is the standard first. A Phantasia Press signed limited edition (a numbered run of 650, signed by Asimov) was issued concurrently.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions show "Book Club Edition" on the front jacket flap and carry no printed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Robots and Empire a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention). Trade dust jacket is priced on the front flap. Bridges the Robot and Foundation 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. The US Doubleday trade edition is the standard first. A Phantasia Press signed limited edition (a numbered run of 650, signed by Asimov) was issued concurrently.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions show "Book Club Edition" on the front jacket flap and carry no printed price.
I have a first edition of Robots and Empire — 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.