The points of issue
FSG first edition, stated 'First printing, 1976' on the copyright page with no further printings indicated. Brown cloth, dust jacket. Contains 'One Art,' 'In the Waiting Room,' and 'The Moose.'
Is this the true first?
US true first; Bishop's last collection. The Chatto & Windus UK edition (1977) follows. Signed copies are scarce given her death in 1979.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Later printings state a higher printing number on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Geography III a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: FSG first edition, stated 'First printing, 1976' on the copyright page with no further printings indicated. Brown cloth, dust jacket. Contains 'One Art,' 'In the Waiting Room,' and 'The Moose.'
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. US true first; Bishop's last collection. The Chatto & Windus UK edition (1977) follows. Signed copies are scarce given her death in 1979.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Later printings state a higher printing number on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of Geography III — 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.