The points of issue
Long Earth book 1, co-authored with Stephen Baxter. UK Doubleday (London) 2012; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
UK Doubleday and US Harper editions appeared essentially simultaneously in June 2012; collectors generally take the UK Doubleday as the preferred first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings show a shortened number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Long Earth (with Stephen Baxter) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Long Earth book 1, co-authored with Stephen Baxter. UK Doubleday (London) 2012; first printing has a full number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
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. UK Doubleday and US Harper editions appeared essentially simultaneously in June 2012; collectors generally take the UK Doubleday as the preferred first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings show a shortened number line.
I have a first edition of The Long Earth (with Stephen Baxter) — 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.