# Is "A Delicate Balance" by Edward Albee a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee (Atheneum, 1966) is identified by: The copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's practice for its true firsts). The US Atheneum 1966 edition is the true first and precedes the UK Jonathan Cape edition.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's practice for its true firsts)
- Black cloth with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap
- Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
- Publisher imprint reads Atheneum
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Edward Albee |
| Publisher | Atheneum |
| Year | 1966 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's practice for its true firsts) |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
The copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's practice for its true firsts). Black cloth with gilt spine lettering; first-issue dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

## Is this the true first?
The US Atheneum 1966 edition is the true first and precedes the UK Jonathan Cape edition. Signed examples are inscribed trade copies, not a separate issue.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Book Club Edition lacks the 'First Edition' statement, is stated on the dust-jacket flap, typically bears a blind-stamp on the rear board, and has an unpriced or clipped jacket. The stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page together with the priced jacket confirms the first printing.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *A Delicate Balance* by Edward Albee a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/a-delicate-balance
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.