The points of issue
Shasta Publishers first edition, stated. Issued in a trade state and a signed limited issue (reported as 500 copies) with a tipped-in signature leaf. Publisher's 'Future History' stickers affixed at the foot of the endpapers as issued.
Is this the true first?
US Shasta Publishers first edition is the true first in this collected form; the title novella was written for this volume while other stories had earlier magazine appearances.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition; reprints lack the Shasta imprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Man Who Sold the Moon a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Shasta Publishers first edition, stated. Issued in a trade state and a signed limited issue (reported as 500 copies) with a tipped-in signature leaf. Publisher's 'Future History' stickers affixed at the foot of the endpapers as issued.
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. US Shasta Publishers first edition is the true first in this collected form; the title novella was written for this volume while other stories had earlier magazine appearances.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition; reprints lack the Shasta imprint.
I have a first edition of The Man Who Sold the Moon — 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.