Another edition's cover
Cover of another edition of this book. The Orbit 1996 jacket has not been photographed yet.
Identification points are listed only where two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 30 Oct 2026.
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The first edition is American (Del Rey, New York, 1996, 424 pages, jacket by Barclay Shaw). The first UK edition is the Orbit hardback, London, 1996, 376 pages, 22 cm, ISBN 1 85723 399 9, with jacket art by John Harris. Two dealers describe it in yellow cloth. A BCA book club hardback was issued in London the same year; its library record carries no ISBN and notes first publication by Orbit, so check for the Orbit ISBN on the copyright page and jacket. The first UK paperback is Orbit, 1997 (ISBN 1 85723 470 7). Orbit uncorrected proofs in wrappers also exist.
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.
Orbit, London, in 1996, in hardback.
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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