The points of issue
First edition, first impression, published by Faber and Faber, London, 1936. Full title: The Ascent of F6: A Tragedy in Two Acts. A play and the second Auden-Isherwood collaboration; the title page credits both W. H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, with Auden named first.
Is this the true first?
The Faber and Faber London edition of 1936 is the true first. The play exists in three slightly different published versions: the first English edition (1936), a revised first US edition (Random House, 1937, in 1,500 copies, with a considerably revised text), and a second English edition (1937). The 1936 Faber printing is the textual and bibliographic first. This is a joint work by W. H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, not by Isherwood alone.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Ascent of F6 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first impression, published by Faber and Faber, London, 1936. Full title: The Ascent of F6: A Tragedy in Two Acts. A play and the second Auden-Isherwood collaboration; the title page credits both W. H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, with Auden named first.
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 Faber and Faber London edition of 1936 is the true first. The play exists in three slightly different published versions: the first English edition (1936), a revised first US edition (Random House, 1937, in 1,500 copies, with a considerably revised text), and a second English edition (1937). The
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of The Ascent of F6 — 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.