The points of issue
Pocket Poets Series No. 19, printed wrappers. First printing so stated/identified by absence of later-printing notice; price on rear cover. Issued in wrappers (a small number of hardbound/cloth copies were also produced and are scarce).
Is this the true first?
City Lights US is the true first; no separate UK first. The scarce clothbound/hardcover state commands a premium over the standard wrappered issue. Signed copies (O'Hara died in 1966) are uncommon.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Not a book-club title. Later printings noted on the copyright page; first printing lacks any additional printing statement. Confirm Pocket Poets No. 19 and first-printing copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Lunch Poems a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Pocket Poets Series No. 19, printed wrappers. First printing so stated/identified by absence of later-printing notice; price on rear cover. Issued in wrappers (a small number of hardbound/cloth copies were also produced and are scarce).
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 is the true first; no separate UK first. The scarce clothbound/hardcover state commands a premium over the standard wrappered issue. Signed copies (O'Hara died in 1966) are uncommon.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Not a book-club title. Later printings noted on the copyright page; first printing lacks any additional printing statement. Confirm Pocket Poets No. 19 and first-printing copyright page.
I have a first edition of Lunch Poems — 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.