# Is "The Bourne Ultimatum" by Robert Ludlum a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Bourne Ultimatum by Robert Ludlum (Random House, 1990) is identified by: Random House states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line; first-issue dust jacket priced on the flap. US Random House hardcover is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Random House states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line; first-issue dust jacket priced on the flap
- Completes the original Bourne trilogy
- Publisher imprint reads Random House
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Ludlum |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Year | 1990 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Random House states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line; first-issue… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Random House states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line; first-issue dust jacket priced on the flap. Completes the original Bourne trilogy.

## Is this the true first?
US Random House hardcover is the true first.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions are typically smaller, lack the printed jacket price, and often carry a blind blindstamp to the rear board with no 'First Edition' statement.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Bourne Ultimatum* by Robert Ludlum a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-bourne-ultimatum
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.