The points of issue
True first is the 1955 Doubleday HARDCOVER. Caution title: not a PBO despite Brackett's strong pulp/paperback association. Doubleday SF firsts of the era state 'First Edition' on the copyright page with the gun colophon on the title page.
Is this the true first?
Caution: hardcover precedes the Ace/Ballantine paperback reprints.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Doubleday firsts say 'First Edition' on copyright page; book-club editions lack the statement and have a blind-stamp on the rear board and unclipped no-price jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Long Tomorrow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: True first is the 1955 Doubleday HARDCOVER. Caution title: not a PBO despite Brackett's strong pulp/paperback association. Doubleday SF firsts of the era state 'First Edition' on the copyright page with the gun colophon on the title 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. Caution: hardcover precedes the Ace/Ballantine paperback reprints.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Doubleday firsts say 'First Edition' on copyright page; book-club editions lack the statement and have a blind-stamp on the rear board and unclipped no-price jacket.
I have a first edition of The Long Tomorrow — 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.