The points of issue
Trade paperback original issued only in wrappers, Vintage Books, stated first edition on the copyright page. Stephenson's debut. ISBN 0394723627.
Is this the true first?
The US Vintage Books trade paperback original (1984) is the true first and is scarce; there was no first hardcover. It went out of print until the 2001 Perennial reissue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 2001 Perennial reissue is clearly marked and is not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Big U a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Trade paperback original issued only in wrappers, Vintage Books, stated first edition on the copyright page. Stephenson's debut. ISBN 0394723627.
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 Vintage Books trade paperback original (1984) is the true first and is scarce; there was no first hardcover. It went out of print until the 2001 Perennial reissue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 2001 Perennial reissue is clearly marked and is not the first.
I have a first edition of The Big U — 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.