Simon Pulse, 2003 cover
Cover of the Simon Pulse, 2003 edition of this book. The Sidgwick & Jackson 1977 jacket has not been photographed yet.
Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026.
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The first British edition is the Sidgwick and Jackson hardback, London, 1977, ISBN 0 283 98401 5, which ISFDB dates to July 1977. It followed the Atheneum first edition, New York, February 1977, and both the national bibliography and Open Library note the American publication. Open Library records [8], 264 pages. The first British paperback was the Corgi edition of 1978, retitled Dragonsinger: Harper of Pern, so any Corgi copy is later. Atheneum copies (ISBN 0 689 30570 2, priced in dollars) are the true first, not the UK first.
We have not yet confirmed the issue points that tell this first impression from later ones. Until we do, compare your copy's title page and copyright page with the publisher, place and year above: any later printing or edition statement means it is not this one.
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The cover image shows this book but may not be this edition or printing.
Sidgwick & Jackson, London, in 1977, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 28 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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