The Dragon in the Sea

Doubleday issued the title through its book-club channel and club copies of the 1956 book are catalogued by dealers. Club copies do not carry the 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page — that absence is the primary tell. Doubleday-era club jackets typically state 'Book Club Edition' at the lower front flap and carry no price at the flap, and club copies use lighter boards and bulked paper. Beware also the Nelson Doubleday/Science Fiction Book Club imprint, which is distinct from Doubleday & Company, Inc.