The points of issue
Miller's first published play in book form, 83 pages. Issued in pale green cloth boards (also a gray cloth variant, no priority), spine lettered in navy blue, in a dust jacket priced 2.00. Dedicated to Elia Kazan, who directed the 1947 Coronet Theatre production. First printing has no statement of later printings on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
US Reynal & Hitchcock 1947 is the true first. Genuinely scarce in jacket; the second printing is noted on the copyright page.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Second and later printings are stated as such on the copyright page; the true first carries no printing line. No common book-club edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of All My Sons a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Miller's first published play in book form, 83 pages. Issued in pale green cloth boards (also a gray cloth variant, no priority), spine lettered in navy blue, in a dust jacket priced 2.00. Dedicated to Elia Kazan, who directed the 1947 Coronet Theatre production. First printing has no statement of later printings on the copyright page.
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. US Reynal & Hitchcock 1947 is the true first. Genuinely scarce in jacket; the second printing is noted on the copyright page.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Second and later printings are stated as such on the copyright page; the true first carries no printing line. No common book-club edition.
I have a first edition of All My Sons — 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.