The points of issue
Heinemann first edition, cloth in dust jacket; Plath's first poetry collection published in her lifetime. First issue jacket priced. The UK edition includes seven poems later dropped from the US edition.
Is this the true first?
Heinemann UK (1960) is the true first (titled 'The Colossus and Other Poems'). The US first (Alfred A. Knopf, 1962) is titled simply 'The Colossus' and OMITS seven poems present in the UK edition. The UK Heinemann is the prime collectible.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club. Distinguish UK first (Heinemann 1960, fuller text, '...and Other Poems') from US first (Knopf 1962, 'The Colossus,' seven poems dropped). Verify imprint and contents.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Colossus and Other Poems a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Heinemann first edition, cloth in dust jacket; Plath's first poetry collection published in her lifetime. First issue jacket priced. The UK edition includes seven poems later dropped from the US edition.
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. Heinemann UK (1960) is the true first (titled 'The Colossus and Other Poems'). The US first (Alfred A. Knopf, 1962) is titled simply 'The Colossus' and OMITS seven poems present in the UK edition. The UK Heinemann is the prime collectible.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club. Distinguish UK first (Heinemann 1960, fuller text, '...and Other Poems') from US first (Knopf 1962, 'The Colossus,' seven poems dropped). Verify imprint and contents.
I have a first edition of The Colossus and Other 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.