The points of issue
Gnome Press first; story collection of eight stories. Bound in black cloth with spine stamped in silver and gold; yellow endpapers. 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page. Point of issue: the first-issue dust jacket is UNPRICED on the front flap (no price printed there); the rear panel lists other Gnome Press science-fiction titles with their prices.
Is this the true first?
US Gnome Press first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition under the Gnome imprint; reprints lack the Gnome Press imprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Menace from Earth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Gnome Press first; story collection of eight stories. Bound in black cloth with spine stamped in silver and gold; yellow endpapers. 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page. Point of issue: the first-issue dust jacket is UNPRICED on the front flap (no price printed there); the rear panel lists other Gnome Press science-fiction titles with their prices.
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 Gnome Press first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition under the Gnome imprint; reprints lack the Gnome Press imprint.
I have a first edition of The Menace from Earth — 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.