The points of issue
TRUE first is the Obelisk Press (Paris, 1934) issue in printed wrappers with the bank wraparound band; the US edition was banned until Grove Press published it in 1961. First-issue Obelisk has the original price on the wrapper and the preface by Anaïs Nin.
Is this the true first?
Obelisk Press (Paris, 1934) is the true world first; the Grove Press (US, 1961) edition is the first American edition — a notable 'first thus' tied to the obscenity trial, but not the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Grove Press first American states its own printing; later Obelisk and Grove reprints carry printing notices. Many later Paris reprints in similar wrappers exist — the bank band and 1934 imprint distinguish the true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tropic of Cancer a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: TRUE first is the Obelisk Press (Paris, 1934) issue in printed wrappers with the bank wraparound band; the US edition was banned until Grove Press published it in 1961. First-issue Obelisk has the original price on the wrapper and the preface by Anaïs Nin.
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. Obelisk Press (Paris, 1934) is the true world first; the Grove Press (US, 1961) edition is the first American edition — a notable 'first thus' tied to the obscenity trial, but not the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Grove Press first American states its own printing; later Obelisk and Grove reprints carry printing notices. Many later Paris reprints in similar wrappers exist — the bank band and 1934 imprint distinguish the true first.
I have a first edition of Tropic of Cancer — 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.