The points of issue
First American edition, first printing, translated by Meredith Weatherby. New Directions imprint with no later-printing statement; bound in publisher's maroon cloth lettered in white. Original dust jacket. This was Mishima's first novel issued in English, though not his first book in English (The Sound of Waves, Knopf 1956, preceded it).
Is this the true first?
The New Directions US edition of 1958 is the true first English-language edition, ahead of the UK (Peter Owen, 1960). The Japanese original dates to 1949 (Kawade Shobo).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Peter Owen UK 1960 edition is a later first-thus. New Directions Paperbook (NDP) issues and later impressions carry printing codes. Reprints may add cover blurbs from Vidal, Baldwin, or Isherwood.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Confessions of a Mask (Kamen no Kokuhaku) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First American edition, first printing, translated by Meredith Weatherby. New Directions imprint with no later-printing statement; bound in publisher's maroon cloth lettered in white. Original dust jacket. This was Mishima's first novel issued in English, though not his first book in English (The Sound of Waves, Knopf 1956, preceded it).
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 New Directions US edition of 1958 is the true first English-language edition, ahead of the UK (Peter Owen, 1960). The Japanese original dates to 1949 (Kawade Shobo).
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Peter Owen UK 1960 edition is a later first-thus. New Directions Paperbook (NDP) issues and later impressions carry printing codes. Reprints may add cover blurbs from Vidal, Baldwin, or Isherwood.
I have a first edition of Confessions of a Mask (Kamen no Kokuhaku) — 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.