The points of issue
Won the 1943 Pulitzer Prize (Frost's fourth). The signed limited edition of 735 numbered copies, printed at the Spiral Press and bound in green with the leaves untrimmed and issued in a green paper slipcase, precedes the trade edition. The trade first printing carries the words 'FIRST PRINTING' on the copyright page; later printings substitute 'SECOND PRINTING' or a month-and-year date.
Is this the true first?
The Henry Holt signed limited edition of 735 numbered copies precedes the trade edition; the US Holt issue is the true first. No UK edition precedes it.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No significant book club edition. Later printings are identified by the printing statement on the copyright page reading 'SECOND PRINTING' or a dated month-and-year line rather than 'FIRST PRINTING.'
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Witness Tree a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Won the 1943 Pulitzer Prize (Frost's fourth). The signed limited edition of 735 numbered copies, printed at the Spiral Press and bound in green with the leaves untrimmed and issued in a green paper slipcase, precedes the trade edition. The trade first printing carries the words 'FIRST PRINTING' on the copyright page; later printings substitute 'SECOND PRINTING' or a month-and-year date.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The Henry Holt signed limited edition of 735 numbered copies precedes the trade edition; the US Holt issue is the true first. No UK edition precedes it.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No significant book club edition. Later printings are identified by the printing statement on the copyright page reading 'SECOND PRINTING' or a dated month-and-year line rather than 'FIRST PRINTING.'
I have a first edition of A Witness Tree — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.