# Is "Robots and Empire" by Isaac Asimov a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Robots and Empire by Isaac Asimov (Doubleday, 1985) is identified by: Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention), and the first-state first printing carries the code "P032" in the lower gutter of page 382. The US Doubleday trade edition is the standard first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention), and the first-state first printing carries the code "P032" in the lower gutter of page 382
- Bound in quarter black cloth over blue paper boards with silver spine lettering
- Trade dust jacket is priced on the front flap
- Bridges the Robot and Foundation series
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Isaac Asimov |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 1985 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention), and the first-state first printing carries the… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Copyright page states "First Edition" with no number line reaching 1 (Doubleday convention), and the first-state first printing carries the code "P032" in the lower gutter of page 382. Bound in quarter black cloth over blue paper boards with silver spine lettering. 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, carry no printed price, and lack the "P032" gutter code on page 382.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Robots and Empire* by Isaac Asimov a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/robots-and-empire
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.