The points of issue
Plath's only book of poems published in her lifetime under her own name and her first regularly published book. William Heinemann (London) first edition: green cloth lettered in dark green on the spine, in dust jacket. Titled simply 'The Colossus' (no 'and Other Poems' on the UK issue). Tabor A2a.
Is this the true first?
The Heinemann issue (1960) is the true first. The US Knopf edition (1962) is titled 'The Colossus and Other Poems', drops three poems, and is the first American edition, not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club. The US Knopf 1962 is told apart by its title ('...and Other Poems'), the Knopf/Borzoi imprint, the dropped poems, and a 'First American Edition' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Colossus a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Plath's only book of poems published in her lifetime under her own name and her first regularly published book. William Heinemann (London) first edition: green cloth lettered in dark green on the spine, in dust jacket. Titled simply 'The Colossus' (no 'and Other Poems' on the UK issue). Tabor A2a.
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 Heinemann issue (1960) is the true first. The US Knopf edition (1962) is titled 'The Colossus and Other Poems', drops three poems, and is the first American edition, not the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club. The US Knopf 1962 is told apart by its title ('...and Other Poems'), the Knopf/Borzoi imprint, the dropped poems, and a 'First American Edition' statement.
I have a first edition of The Colossus — 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.