The points of issue
True first is the paperback original Ace Double D-103 (May 1955), bound dos-a-dos with Leigh Brackett's 'The Big Jump.' 35 cents; 131 pages on the Dick side; cover art by Valigursky. Dick's first published novel. Bibliographic ref: Levack 38a.
Is this the true first?
The Ace paperback is the true first edition (no prior hardcover). The UK edition was retitled 'World of Chance' (Rich & Cowan, 1956) and uses an earlier, uncut text (Dick had cut six passages for Ace), making it a distinct text but later in time. The D-103 double is the precedent first appearance.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Distinguish from later standalone Ace reprints and from the UK 'World of Chance.' Only the dos-a-dos D-103 double with 'The Big Jump' is the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Solar Lottery a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the paperback original Ace Double D-103 (May 1955), bound dos-a-dos with Leigh Brackett's 'The Big Jump.' 35 cents; 131 pages on the Dick side; cover art by Valigursky. Dick's first published novel. Bibliographic ref: Levack 38a.
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 Ace paperback is the true first edition (no prior hardcover). The UK edition was retitled 'World of Chance' (Rich & Cowan, 1956) and uses an earlier, uncut text (Dick had cut six passages for Ace), making it a distinct text but later in time. The D-103 double is the precedent first appearance.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Distinguish from later standalone Ace reprints and from the UK 'World of Chance.' Only the dos-a-dos D-103 double with 'The Big Jump' is the true first.
I have a first edition of Solar Lottery — 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.