# Is "Dark Brown" by Michael McClure a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Dark Brown by Michael McClure (The Auerhahn Press, 1961) is identified by: Auerhahn Press, San Francisco, 1961. True first is the 1961 Auerhahn wrappered original.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Auerhahn Press, San Francisco, 1961
- The standard first-edition issue is perfect-bound in printed wrappers, letterpress printed by Dave Haselwood and Andrew Hoyem
- A small signed hardcover issue in gilt-stamped cloth also exists
- No later-printing statement
- Publisher imprint reads The Auerhahn Press
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael McClure |
| Publisher | The Auerhahn Press |
| Year | 1961 |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Auerhahn Press, San Francisco, 1961 |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Auerhahn Press, San Francisco, 1961. The standard first-edition issue is perfect-bound in printed wrappers, letterpress printed by Dave Haselwood and Andrew Hoyem. A small signed hardcover issue in gilt-stamped cloth also exists. No later-printing statement.

## Is this the true first?
True first is the 1961 Auerhahn wrappered original.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Dark Brown* by Michael McClure a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/dark-brown
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.