The points of issue
Faber and Faber (London) first edition, 'first published in 1970' so stated; black cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in a cream dust jacket bearing a Leonard Baskin illustration printed in brick-red and black. The enlarged second edition (1972) adds seven poems; distinguish by contents and the title-page/copyright statement.
Is this the true first?
The Faber edition (1970) is the UK true first; the US Harper & Row edition follows. Note the 1970 first versus the enlarged 1972 second edition, which adds seven poems.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The crux is the 1970 first versus the enlarged 1972 second edition, and Faber UK versus Harper US precedence.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Faber and Faber (London) first edition, 'first published in 1970' so stated; black cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in a cream dust jacket bearing a Leonard Baskin illustration printed in brick-red and black. The enlarged second edition (1972) adds seven poems; distinguish by contents and the title-page/copyright statement.
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 Faber edition (1970) is the UK true first; the US Harper & Row edition follows. Note the 1970 first versus the enlarged 1972 second edition, which adds seven poems.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The crux is the 1970 first versus the enlarged 1972 second edition, and Faber UK versus Harper US precedence.
I have a first edition of Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow — 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.