The points of issue
Ballantine Books hardcover, first printing. Copyright page reads 'First Edition: January 2003' followed by the number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2. Priced dust jacket; publisher's boards. ISBN 0-345-44755-7.
Is this the true first?
The US Ballantine first edition was published January 2003, not 2002; the corrected year is 2003. This US hardcover is the true first. A UK Orbit edition followed and does not precede it.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Science Fiction Book Club edition is distinguishable by an unpriced jacket, a blind-stamp gutter dot on the rear board, and the absence of the full Ballantine number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Speed of Dark a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Ballantine Books hardcover, first printing. Copyright page reads 'First Edition: January 2003' followed by the number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2. Priced dust jacket; publisher's boards. ISBN 0-345-44755-7.
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 Ballantine first edition was published January 2003, not 2002; the corrected year is 2003. This US hardcover is the true first. A UK Orbit edition followed and does not precede it.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Science Fiction Book Club edition is distinguishable by an unpriced jacket, a blind-stamp gutter dot on the rear board, and the absence of the full Ballantine number line.
I have a first edition of The Speed of Dark — 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.