The points of issue
UK Macmillan hardcover, published 15 May 2009, is the true first: priced dust jacket, no later-printing statement. The US Del Rey hardcover (2009) is near-simultaneous and carries a full descending number line (9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Winner of the Hugo, Arthur C. Clarke, BSFA and Locus (Fantasy) awards. Signed UK first editions exist from launch.
Is this the true first?
The UK Macmillan hardcover (15 May 2009) is the true first, slightly preceding the US Del Rey 2009 hardcover.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A US book-club edition exists: typically no price on the jacket and a blind-stamp on the rear board, lacking the full number line. The principal point is precedence of the UK edition over the US.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The City & the City a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Macmillan hardcover, published 15 May 2009, is the true first: priced dust jacket, no later-printing statement. The US Del Rey hardcover (2009) is near-simultaneous and carries a full descending number line (9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Winner of the Hugo, Arthur C. Clarke, BSFA and Locus (Fantasy) awards. Signed UK first editions exist from launch.
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 UK Macmillan hardcover (15 May 2009) is the true first, slightly preceding the US Del Rey 2009 hardcover.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A US book-club edition exists: typically no price on the jacket and a blind-stamp on the rear board, lacking the full number line. The principal point is precedence of the UK edition over the US.
I have a first edition of The City & the City — 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.