New York: Del Rey/Ballantine, 1977. First trade edition (courtesy Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA) — but not the first edition in hardcover.

To return to collectible books, Lucas released a first trade hardcover adaptation of the Star Wars in 1977 (Del Rey/Ballantine), John Berkey cover and 16 pp. of color photographs from the movie. However, this “first trade hardcover” came out after the first hardcover Science Book Club edition.