Is My Hardcover A Game of Thrones a First Edition? How to Tell

You have a hardcover copy of George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones and you want to know if it’s a genuine first edition, first printing. This is one of the most frequently asked identification questions in genre fiction collecting — and the values involved make getting the answer right essential.

The Quick Answer

A true first edition, first printing of A Game of Thrones was published by Bantam Spectra in August 1996 with a cover price of $21.95. The key identifier is the number line on the copyright page: a true first printing shows “BVG 01” or a complete number line including “1.” The printing must be identified as “First Edition” with the number “1” present.

Step-by-Step Identification

Step 1: Check the Publisher

The title page must read Bantam Books (with the Bantam Spectra imprint). If your copy says any other publisher, or if it’s a mass-market paperback, it is not the first edition hardcover.

Step 2: Check the Copyright Page

This is the critical step. Look for:

Number line. The first printing shows a number line that includes “1” — typically “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” or a similar sequence with “1” as the lowest number.

“First Edition” statement. Bantam stated “First Edition” on the copyright page of first printings.

Copyright statement. Should read “Copyright © 1996 by George R.R. Martin.”

Print code. Some first printings include the code “BVG” on the copyright page, which indicates the printing plant. The presence of “BVG 01” is consistent with a first printing.

Step 3: Check the Binding

The first printing binding is:

• Blue cloth over boards
• Spine lettered in gilt/gold
• The binding is solid and well-made — Bantam produced a quality hardcover

Step 4: Check the Dust Jacket

The first printing dust jacket features:

• A painting depicting a medieval/fantasy scene — a king on a throne with wolves and other heraldic imagery
• $21.95 price on the front flap (US price) or $29.95 CAN (Canadian price)
• The jacket art was painted by Tom Hallman
• No HBO branding, no TV show imagery (those are tie-in editions from 2011 onward)

Step 5: Rule Out Other Editions

Book club editions exist and look similar. Check for: no flap price, blind-stamped mark on rear board, lighter paper. BCEs are worth $20–$50.

HBO tie-in editions (2011+) feature TV show imagery on the cover. Not first editions.

Mass-market paperbacks — multiple printings exist. Not hardcover first editions.

Later hardcover printings — identified by higher numbers in the number line or absence of “1.” These have modest value ($50–$200).

What Is My Copy Worth?

True First Edition, First Printing

Bantam’s first printing is estimated at 5,000–10,000 copies — a standard run for a genre fantasy novel from a mid-list author in 1996. Martin had a reputation among genre fans but was not yet a household name. The novel sold well enough to continue the series but did not initially achieve the blockbuster sales that would come later.

Signed First Edition, First Printing

Martin is a willing signer who has attended conventions and bookstore events throughout his career. Signed copies of A Game of Thrones first editions are available but command a significant premium — the combination of the first book in the series and a genuine first-printing identification makes these the premier Martin collectible.

Later Printings and Other Editions

Common Questions

Did the HBO show affect values?

Dramatically. The Game of Thrones television series (2011–2019) was one of the most watched shows in television history and introduced Martin’s work to an audience that dwarfed his existing readership. First edition values increased roughly 300–500% between 2010 (before the show) and 2015 (during the show’s peak). Values have held steady or continued to appreciate since the show ended, suggesting that the adaptation premium is permanent — the cultural recognition the show created persists even after the series concluded.

Will Winds of Winter affect values?

If The Winds of Winter (the long-awaited sixth book in the series) is published, it will likely increase demand for first editions of all previous books in the series, including A Game of Thrones. The publication of a new book renews media attention, introduces new readers to the series, and validates the ongoing cultural relevance of the property. The effect could be a 20–50% increase in A Game of Thrones first edition values.

My copy has a remainder mark. What does that mean?

A remainder mark indicates the book was sold at discount by the publisher — unsold stock. This is telling: some first printings of A Game of Thrones were remaindered, which means they were not instant bestsellers. A remainder mark reduces value by approximately 30–40% but the book is still a first printing and still collectible.

Is the UK first edition a good alternative?

The UK first edition (Voyager/HarperCollins, 1996) was published the same year as the US edition. It is scarcer (smaller UK print run) and valued at $500–$2,000, making it a more affordable entry point for collectors who want a first-edition copy but cannot afford the US Bantam first. The UK edition is the true first for UK collectors but is considered secondary to the US edition by the global market.

How can I tell if my signed copy is genuine?

Martin’s signature is a flowing “George R.R. Martin” in blue or black ink. He signs prolifically at conventions, bookstore events, and publisher events. Forgery risk is moderate — Martin’s values are high enough to attract forgers, but his signing volume creates sufficient genuine supply to make authentication relatively straightforward. For copies worth $5,000+, authentication through PSA/DNA, JSA, or a specialist dealer is recommended.