The points of issue
Auden's first commercially published book, preceded only by the privately printed 1928 Poems hand-set by Stephen Spender in a tiny edition (most sources cite about thirty copies; some say around forty-five). The Faber first edition of 1930 ran roughly 1,000 copies in blue-grey paper-covered boards with a paper spine label. The 1933 second edition replaced seven of the poems, so a true 1930 first is identified by the original contents and the 'First published in mcmxxx' statement with no reprint or second-edition line.
Is this the true first?
The UK Faber edition of 1930 is the true first trade edition. The 1928 Spender hand-printed Poems is the genuine first appearance but is a privately printed pamphlet, separately catalogued. The US Random House edition is later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition. The most common confusion is the 1933 second edition with revised contents, distinguished by the seven swapped poems and a 'second edition' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Poems a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Auden's first commercially published book, preceded only by the privately printed 1928 Poems hand-set by Stephen Spender in a tiny edition (most sources cite about thirty copies; some say around forty-five). The Faber first edition of 1930 ran roughly 1,000 copies in blue-grey paper-covered boards with a paper spine label. The 1933 second edition replaced seven of the poems, so a true 1930 first is identified by the original contents and the 'First published in mcmxxx' statement with no reprint or second-edition line.
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. The UK Faber edition of 1930 is the true first trade edition. The 1928 Spender hand-printed Poems is the genuine first appearance but is a privately printed pamphlet, separately catalogued. The US Random House edition is later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club edition. The most common confusion is the 1933 second edition with revised contents, distinguished by the seven swapped poems and a 'second edition' statement.
I have a first edition of 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.