How to Identify a City Lights Books / City Lights Publishers First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Early titles: a first has no additional printings listed on the copyright page (no number line in the early Beat era).
• Later titles: copyright page either states 'First Edition' or simply shows no later-printing notice; modern titles add a descending number line (1 present = first).
• Pocket Poets cover-state points: Nos. 1–6 have the pasted-on wraparound printed paper label tipped to the wrapper; from No. 7 a printed cover simulating that label design was used; from No. 21 (1967) illustrated covers begin — wrong cover state flags a later printing/issue.
• Original price on the rear wrapper is a state point on early issues (e.g., Howl, Pocket Poets No. 4, priced 75¢ at upper-left of rear panel on the first printing).
• Pocket Poets series number (printed on the cover) fixes the title's place in the series.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded 1953 (bookstore) by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin; publishing arm launched 1955 with the Pocket Poets Series.
• Ginsberg's HOWL AND OTHER POEMS (Pocket Poets No. 4, 1956) is the landmark point-of-issue title: the genuine first printing was printed by Villiers in England, 1,000 copies; later printings are common — distinguish by printer statement, price, and absence of later-printing notice.
• Pictures of the Gone World (Pocket Poets No. 1, 1955, 500 copies) is the scarce series debut.
• Saddle-stapled printed wrappers are normal for the series; condition of the tipped-on label matters on Nos. 1–6.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Pocket Poets Series, City Lights Spotlight (poetry), Open Media, City Lights/Grey Fox, Sister Spit. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my City Lights Books / City Lights Publishers book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Early titles: a first has no additional printings listed on the copyright page (no number line in the early Beat era). Later titles: copyright page either states 'First Edition' or simply shows no later-printing notice; modern titles add a descending number line (1 present = first).

Does City Lights Books / City Lights Publishers use a number line?

Later titles: copyright page either states 'First Edition' or simply shows no later-printing notice; modern titles add a descending number line (1 present = first).

Is a book-club edition a City Lights Books / City Lights Publishers first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1953 (bookstore) by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin; publishing arm launched 1955 with the Pocket Poets Series.

What era does this cover?

This covers City Lights Books / City Lights Publishers (1955–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.