The points of issue
US Villard (Random House) hardcover, 1996, in illustrated dust jacket over blue cloth boards (about 408 pages, ISBN 9780679451501). First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a number line that ENDS in '2' (a Random House/Villard convention), not in '1.' First-issue text points: 'karstic' (for 'karst') at page 16, and a physics phrasing slip at page 95. First-state jacket credits the cover photograph to 'Dina Rossi.' Russell's debut.
Is this the true first?
The US Villard 1996 hardcover is the true first; UK editions (Doubleday, then Black Swan paperback) followed. Winner of the 1998 Arthur C. Clarke Award, the BSFA Award, the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and the Tiptree (now Otherwise) Award.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Common as a trade book, but Book-of-the-Month-Club and other club editions exist and lack the number line. Confirm the stated 'First Edition' plus the number line ending in '2' for the true first printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sparrow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Villard (Random House) hardcover, 1996, in illustrated dust jacket over blue cloth boards (about 408 pages, ISBN 9780679451501). First printing has 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with a number line that ENDS in '2' (a Random House/Villard convention), not in '1.' First-issue text points: 'karstic' (for 'karst') at page 16, and a physics phrasing slip at page 95. First-state jacket credits the cover photograph to 'Dina Rossi.' Russell's debut.
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 Villard 1996 hardcover is the true first; UK editions (Doubleday, then Black Swan paperback) followed. Winner of the 1998 Arthur C. Clarke Award, the BSFA Award, the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and the Tiptree (now Otherwise) Award.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Common as a trade book, but Book-of-the-Month-Club and other club editions exist and lack the number line. Confirm the stated 'First Edition' plus the number line ending in '2' for the true first printing.
I have a first edition of The Sparrow — 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.