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First-Edition Identification · Neal Stephenson

Is My Termination Shock a First Edition?

William Morrow, 2021

The points of issue

Morrow hardcover, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line ending in 1. A publisher-issued signed edition, also first printing, carries a different ISBN and a Signed Edition seal on the jacket.

Decode the printer’s key: paste the number line into the decoder · William Morrow first-edition guide.

Is this the true first?

US Morrow hardcover (November 2021) is the true first; the UK Borough Press edition followed about a week later.

Telling it from reprints & book-club editions

Trade only.

Frequently asked questions

Is my copy of Termination Shock a first edition?

Look for these first-edition points: Morrow hardcover, 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a full number line ending in 1. A publisher-issued signed edition, also first printing, carries a different ISBN and a Signed Edition seal on the jacket.

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 Morrow hardcover (November 2021) is the true first; the UK Borough Press edition followed about a week later.

Is the book-club edition the same as the first?

Trade only.

I have a first edition of Termination Shock — 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.

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