The points of issue
UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcover (1975), priced dust jacket. This is the UK first edition, NOT the true first edition. It followed the US St. Martin's Press hardcover of 1974 by a year.
Is this the true first?
The US St. Martin's Press 1974 hardcover is the true first edition overall (Currey records it as the first). The UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1975 hardcover is a separate, later first appearance in Britain and should not be mistaken for the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not applicable for printing points; the meaningful distinction is precedence, US 1974 over UK 1975.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Forever War (UK first hardcover note) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson hardcover (1975), priced dust jacket. This is the UK first edition, NOT the true first edition. It followed the US St. Martin's Press hardcover of 1974 by a year.
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 St. Martin's Press 1974 hardcover is the true first edition overall (Currey records it as the first). The UK Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1975 hardcover is a separate, later first appearance in Britain and should not be mistaken for the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not applicable for printing points; the meaningful distinction is precedence, US 1974 over UK 1975.
I have a first edition of The Forever War (UK first hardcover note) — 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.