The points of issue
UK Voyager hardcover, March 1998, with John Howe jacket art and number line ending in 1. US Bantam Spectra hardcover published 2 March 1998 with Stephen Youll jacket art. Publication was essentially simultaneous.
Is this the true first?
UK and US hardcovers appeared essentially simultaneously in March 1998. Collectors generally treat the UK Voyager hardcover as the preferred true first, but the US Bantam Spectra hardcover is a legitimate first edition of the US issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club hardcover editions exist; they lack a jacket price and printing line and are not first editions.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ship of Magic (The Liveship Traders 1) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Voyager hardcover, March 1998, with John Howe jacket art and number line ending in 1. US Bantam Spectra hardcover published 2 March 1998 with Stephen Youll jacket art. Publication was essentially simultaneous.
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. UK and US hardcovers appeared essentially simultaneously in March 1998. Collectors generally treat the UK Voyager hardcover as the preferred true first, but the US Bantam Spectra hardcover is a legitimate first edition of the US issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club hardcover editions exist; they lack a jacket price and printing line and are not first editions.
I have a first edition of Ship of Magic (The Liveship Traders 1) — 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.