# Is "The Scorpio Illusion" by Robert Ludlum a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Scorpio Illusion by Robert Ludlum (Bantam Books, 1993) is identified by: Bantam states 'First Edition' on the copyright page above a full descending number line ending in 1 (form 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). US Bantam Books hardcover is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Bantam states 'First Edition' on the copyright page above a full descending number line ending in 1 (form 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1)
- Bound in quarter black cloth over black paper-covered boards, with the spine lettered in red
- The first-issue dust jacket retains its printed price on the front flap (present, unclipped)
- Publisher imprint reads Bantam Books
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Robert Ludlum |
| Publisher | Bantam Books |
| Year | 1993 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Bantam states 'First Edition' on the copyright page above a full descending number line ending in 1 (form 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1) |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Bantam states 'First Edition' on the copyright page above a full descending number line ending in 1 (form 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Bound in quarter black cloth over black paper-covered boards, with the spine lettered in red. The first-issue dust jacket retains its printed price on the front flap (present, unclipped).

## Is this the true first?
US Bantam Books hardcover is the true first.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the printed jacket price and the full descending number line, are noticeably lighter, and typically carry a rear-board blindstamp.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Scorpio Illusion* by Robert Ludlum a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-scorpio-illusion
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.