The points of issue
First edition, first printing: University of Chicago Press, 1962, issued in the International Encyclopedia of Unified Science series (Vol. II, No. 2). First printing has no later-printing statement; original wrappers (paperbound issue) and/or cloth. The 1962 first lacks the 1969 'Postscript' that appears in the second edition.
Is this the true first?
The 1962 University of Chicago first is the true first. The far more common 1970 second edition adds Kuhn's 'Postscript—1969' and is textually distinct — not the first. Both hardcover and the encyclopedia-series wrappers issue exist for 1962; verify the 1962 date and absence of the Postscript.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue; the principal confusion is the 1970+ second edition (with Postscript) being mistaken for the first. Any copy containing the 1969 Postscript is at least a second edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: University of Chicago Press, 1962, issued in the International Encyclopedia of Unified Science series (Vol. II, No. 2). First printing has no later-printing statement; original wrappers (paperbound issue) and/or cloth. The 1962 first lacks the 1969 'Postscript' that appears in the second 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. The 1962 University of Chicago first is the true first. The far more common 1970 second edition adds Kuhn's 'Postscript—1969' and is textually distinct — not the first. Both hardcover and the encyclopedia-series wrappers issue exist for 1962; verify the 1962 date and absence of the Postscript.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue; the principal confusion is the 1970+ second edition (with Postscript) being mistaken for the first. Any copy containing the 1969 Postscript is at least a second edition.
I have a first edition of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions — 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.