The points of issue
Little, Brown UK hardcover credited to Iain Banks; copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2009 with a full number line; priced, unclipped jacket. The US Orbit edition is credited to Iain M. Banks and states First U.S. Edition: September 2009.
Is this the true first?
UK Little, Brown hardcover (September 2009) is the true first; the byline differs between the UK (Iain Banks) and US (Iain M. Banks) editions.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Transition a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Little, Brown UK hardcover credited to Iain Banks; copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2009 with a full number line; priced, unclipped jacket. The US Orbit edition is credited to Iain M. Banks and states First U.S. Edition: September 2009.
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. UK Little, Brown hardcover (September 2009) is the true first; the byline differs between the UK (Iain Banks) and US (Iain M. Banks) editions.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Transition — 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.