The points of issue
Dickey's first appearance in book form, gathered in the 'Poets of Today VII' volume with Paris Leary and Jon Swan and introduced by John Hall Wheelock. Scribner's first printings of this era carry an 'A' on the copyright page as the first-printing tell.
Is this the true first?
True first appearance of Dickey's verse in book form; published only as part of the Scribner anthology, not as a separately issued Dickey title.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue; the Scribner 'A' on the copyright page is the first-printing indicator.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Into the Stone and Other Poems (in Poets of Today VII) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Dickey's first appearance in book form, gathered in the 'Poets of Today VII' volume with Paris Leary and Jon Swan and introduced by John Hall Wheelock. Scribner's first printings of this era carry an 'A' on the copyright page as the first-printing tell.
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. True first appearance of Dickey's verse in book form; published only as part of the Scribner anthology, not as a separately issued Dickey title.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue; the Scribner 'A' on the copyright page is the first-printing indicator.
I have a first edition of Into the Stone and Other Poems (in Poets of Today VII) — 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.