The points of issue
The US edition was a PAPERBACK ORIGINAL: Signet S1389 (1957), titled 'The Stars My Destination.' The earlier UK first is the hardcover 'Tiger! Tiger!' (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1956). So the true world first is the UK hardcover under the alternate title; the US first appearance is the Signet paperback. US Signet S1389 with no later-printing line is the first US printing.
Is this the true first?
Global true first is the UK hardcover 'Tiger! Tiger!' (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1956). The US first is the paperback-original Signet (1957) under the better-known title; it is the first US edition and a paperback original for the US market.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition for the original paperback. Distinguish the UK 'Tiger! Tiger!' hardcover first, the Signet S1389 US PBO first, and later reprints under either title.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Stars My Destination (Tiger! Tiger!) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The US edition was a PAPERBACK ORIGINAL: Signet S1389 (1957), titled 'The Stars My Destination.' The earlier UK first is the hardcover 'Tiger! Tiger!' (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1956). So the true world first is the UK hardcover under the alternate title; the US first appearance is the Signet paperback. US Signet S1389 with no later-printing line is the first US printing.
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. Global true first is the UK hardcover 'Tiger! Tiger!' (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1956). The US first is the paperback-original Signet (1957) under the better-known title; it is the first US edition and a paperback original for the US market.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition for the original paperback. Distinguish the UK 'Tiger! Tiger!' hardcover first, the Signet S1389 US PBO first, and later reprints under either title.
I have a first edition of The Stars My Destination (Tiger! Tiger!) — 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.