The points of issue
Grove Press, New York, hardcover, copyright and published 1976, the author's first book; issued in hardcover with dust jacket and concurrently in wrappers. ISBN 0-394-17016-4. The hardcover with dust jacket is the collectible state. The play won the 1976 Obie and the 1977 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award.
Is this the true first?
The US Grove edition is the true first book appearance. The play was first produced in 1975-76; first publication is the Grove hardcover.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book-club hardcover exists, identifiable by a blind-stamp on the rear board, a price-clipped or unpriced jacket, and lighter boards. The Methuen UK edition (1978) is a later, separate publication, not the first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of American Buffalo a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Grove Press, New York, hardcover, copyright and published 1976, the author's first book; issued in hardcover with dust jacket and concurrently in wrappers. ISBN 0-394-17016-4. The hardcover with dust jacket is the collectible state. The play won the 1976 Obie and the 1977 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award.
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 US Grove edition is the true first book appearance. The play was first produced in 1975-76; first publication is the Grove hardcover.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book-club hardcover exists, identifiable by a blind-stamp on the rear board, a price-clipped or unpriced jacket, and lighter boards. The Methuen UK edition (1978) is a later, separate publication, not the first.
I have a first edition of American Buffalo — 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.