The points of issue
First edition Eyre Methuen, London, 1978 (Methuen Modern Plays). Copyright page states 'First published in 1978' with no later-impression line. Issued in printed wrappers and in cloth with dust jacket; verify the state by binding. A signed limited edition of 150 numbered copies (Karnac in association with Eyre Methuen) appeared simultaneously in 1978 as the premium state.
Is this the true first?
UK Eyre Methuen 1978 is the true first and precedes the US Grove Press 1979 edition. Establish the first impression by the 'First published in 1978' statement. The 150-copy numbered, author-signed Karnac/Eyre Methuen issue is the limited premium state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Later impressions add impression statements; the US Grove 1979 is a separate later first thus.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Betrayal a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition Eyre Methuen, London, 1978 (Methuen Modern Plays). Copyright page states 'First published in 1978' with no later-impression line. Issued in printed wrappers and in cloth with dust jacket; verify the state by binding. A signed limited edition of 150 numbered copies (Karnac in association with Eyre Methuen) appeared simultaneously in 1978 as the premium state.
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. UK Eyre Methuen 1978 is the true first and precedes the US Grove Press 1979 edition. Establish the first impression by the 'First published in 1978' statement. The 150-copy numbered, author-signed Karnac/Eyre Methuen issue is the limited premium state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Later impressions add impression statements; the US Grove 1979 is a separate later first thus.
I have a first edition of Betrayal — 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.