The points of issue
First edition stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Harcourt practice of this era), priced dust jacket (3.75 on the front flap). Blue marbled cloth, silver spine lettering, jacket art by George Salter. Expanded rewrite of 'Against the Fall of Night.'
Is this the true first?
US Harcourt, Brace and the UK Frederick Muller editions both appeared in 1956; precedence between them is not reliably documented, so each is best described as the US first and the UK first respectively rather than asserting one true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition lacks the flap price and bears a small blindstamp (debossed shape) on the rear board; it may still carry a 'First Edition' line, so the blindstamp and absent price are the reliable tells.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The City and the Stars a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Harcourt practice of this era), priced dust jacket (3.75 on the front flap). Blue marbled cloth, silver spine lettering, jacket art by George Salter. Expanded rewrite of 'Against the Fall of Night.'
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 Harcourt, Brace and the UK Frederick Muller editions both appeared in 1956; precedence between them is not reliably documented, so each is best described as the US first and the UK first respectively rather than asserting one true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club edition lacks the flap price and bears a small blindstamp (debossed shape) on the rear board; it may still carry a 'First Edition' line, so the blindstamp and absent price are the reliable tells.
I have a first edition of The City and the Stars — 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.