The points of issue
Ashbery's first full-length book, chosen by W. H. Auden for the Yale Series of Younger Poets (volume 52, Auden foreword). Yale University Press first printing in black cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, in the printed yellow dust jacket. Scarce in fine condition with jacket.
Is this the true first?
US true first; the Yale Younger Poets / Auden selection. One of the more sought-after modern poetry debuts.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Later Yale printings carry printing statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Some Trees a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Ashbery's first full-length book, chosen by W. H. Auden for the Yale Series of Younger Poets (volume 52, Auden foreword). Yale University Press first printing in black cloth lettered in gilt on the spine, in the printed yellow dust jacket. Scarce in fine condition with jacket.
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; the Yale Younger Poets / Auden selection. One of the more sought-after modern poetry debuts.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Later Yale printings carry printing statements.
I have a first edition of Some Trees — 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.