The points of issue
Contains the first book appearances of September 1, 1939 and Musee des Beaux Arts. The US Random House issue appeared in February 1940, ahead of the UK Faber issue (June 1940), so the Random House printing is the true first. First printing carries the Random House imprint with no later-printing or added-printing statement on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
The US Random House issue (February 1940) precedes the UK Faber issue (June 1940), making the American printing the true first for this title. This is the exception to the usual Auber-Faber-first pattern for Auden in this period.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club issue of note; later printings add an extra printing statement to the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Another Time a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Contains the first book appearances of September 1, 1939 and Musee des Beaux Arts. The US Random House issue appeared in February 1940, ahead of the UK Faber issue (June 1940), so the Random House printing is the true first. First printing carries the Random House imprint with no later-printing or added-printing statement on the copyright page.
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 US Random House issue (February 1940) precedes the UK Faber issue (June 1940), making the American printing the true first for this title. This is the exception to the usual Auber-Faber-first pattern for Auden in this period.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club issue of note; later printings add an extra printing statement to the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Another Time — 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.