# Is "The Currents of Space" by Isaac Asimov a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Currents of Space by Isaac Asimov (Doubleday, 1952) is identified by: The first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page. US Doubleday is the true first edition (1952), following serialization in Astounding Science-Fiction.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page
- It is bound in blue cloth-effect boards with the spine lettered in white
- The first-issue dust jacket bears George Giusti's cover art and should retain its printed price on the front flap
- Dealers note that the trade first shows no gutter/printing code, distinguishing it from later club issues
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Isaac Asimov |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 1952 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
The first printing states "First Edition" on the copyright page. It is bound in blue cloth-effect boards with the spine lettered in white. The first-issue dust jacket bears George Giusti's cover art and should retain its printed price on the front flap. Dealers note that the trade first shows no gutter/printing code, distinguishing it from later club issues.

## Is this the true first?
US Doubleday is the true first edition (1952), following serialization in Astounding Science-Fiction. Bound in blue boards, spine lettered white, with a Giusti pictorial jacket.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions omit "First Edition" on the copyright page and are printed on cheaper bulking paper; a club copy will lack the priced first-issue jacket. Many Doubleday club issues also bear a blind-stamped device on the rear board and a printing code on a late text leaf.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Currents of Space* by Isaac Asimov a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-currents-of-space
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.