The points of issue
Two simultaneous-year hardcover firsts. UK Viking (ISBN 0-670-91952-7) was published September 2, 2010; US Putnam (ISBN 0-399-15682-3) followed September 7, 2010, and is identified by a full descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. By date of publication the UK Viking edition narrowly precedes the US edition.
Is this the true first?
The UK Viking edition (published September 2, 2010) precedes the US Putnam edition (September 7, 2010) by five days, so Viking is the true first by date. Both are 2010 hardcovers and either may be described as a first edition; collectors sometimes treat them as co-firsts. Third volume of the Blue Ant (Bigend) trilogy.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Issued as a trade hardcover by both publishers; Subterranean Press also released a signed limited edition. No book-club issue of note.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Zero History a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two simultaneous-year hardcover firsts. UK Viking (ISBN 0-670-91952-7) was published September 2, 2010; US Putnam (ISBN 0-399-15682-3) followed September 7, 2010, and is identified by a full descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page. By date of publication the UK Viking edition narrowly precedes the US edition.
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 UK Viking edition (published September 2, 2010) precedes the US Putnam edition (September 7, 2010) by five days, so Viking is the true first by date. Both are 2010 hardcovers and either may be described as a first edition; collectors sometimes treat them as co-firsts. Third volume of the Blue An
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Issued as a trade hardcover by both publishers; Subterranean Press also released a signed limited edition. No book-club issue of note.
I have a first edition of Zero History — 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.