How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page carries a 'First printing, <Month Year>' statement; first printings show no later-printing notation
- Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
- Baen catalog/ISBN and the stated first-printing date are the cross-check (paperback originals are the 'first' for most titles)
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1983 by Jim Baen; heavy in military SF and space opera (Weber, Ringo, Flint)
- Predominantly mass-market and trade paperback originals, so the paperback is frequently the true first edition
- Distributed historically by Simon & Schuster, so later printings may carry S&S distribution language
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Baen. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Baen Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page carries a 'First printing, <Month Year>' statement; first printings show no later-printing notation Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
Does Baen Books use a number line?
Many Baen titles use a number line with '1' present — lowest digit indicates the printing
Is a book-club edition a Baen Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1983 by Jim Baen; heavy in military SF and space opera (Weber, Ringo, Flint)
What era does this cover?
This covers Baen Books (1983–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.
Baen Books titles with documented first-edition points
Each link opens that title’s specific points of issue — the exact marks that separate a true first printing from a later one.
- A Civil Campaign (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1999)
- Barrayar (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1991)
- Borders of Infinity (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1989)
- Brothers in Arms (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1989)
- Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (Lois McMaster Bujold, 2012)
- Cetaganda (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1996)
- Cryoburn (Lois McMaster Bujold, 2010)
- Diplomatic Immunity (Lois McMaster Bujold, 2002)
- Ethan of Athos (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1986)
- Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (Lois McMaster Bujold, 2016)
- Komarr (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1998)
- Memory (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1996)
- Mirror Dance (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1994)
- Shards of Honor (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1986)
- Tatja Grimm's World (Vernor Vinge, 1987)
- The Spirit Ring (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1992)
- The Vor Game (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1990)
- The Warrior's Apprentice (Lois McMaster Bujold, 1986)
- Threats and Other Promises (Vernor Vinge, 1988)
- Tuf Voyaging (George R.R. Martin, 1986)