The points of issue
Pocket Poets Series No. 8, printed wrappers, with an introduction by Allen Ginsberg. First printing identified by absence of later-printing notice on the copyright page; original price on rear cover.
Is this the true first?
City Lights US (1958) is the true first; no separate UK first of equal standing. Corso- or Ginsberg-signed copies are desirable.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not a book-club title. Later printings carry copyright-page printing statements; confirm Pocket Poets No. 8.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gasoline a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Pocket Poets Series No. 8, printed wrappers, with an introduction by Allen Ginsberg. First printing identified by absence of later-printing notice on the copyright page; original price on rear cover.
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. City Lights US (1958) is the true first; no separate UK first of equal standing. Corso- or Ginsberg-signed copies are desirable.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not a book-club title. Later printings carry copyright-page printing statements; confirm Pocket Poets No. 8.
I have a first edition of Gasoline — 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.