The points of issue
First printing has NO reference on the copyright page to the prior appearance of the preface in the New York Times, and NO Joseph Mielziner (and Lucinda Ballard) production credit on page xii; both are added in later printings (the key Crandell points). Contains two versions of Act Three (Williams' original plus the Broadway revision) with Williams' 'Note of Explanation.' Alvin Lustig-designed dust jacket, the printed price intact; brown cloth with black spine lettering.
Is this the true first?
US New Directions 1955 is the true first. Pulitzer Prize 1955. The presence of both third-act versions is intrinsic to the first edition, not a later addition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings add the New York Times citation to the copyright page and the Mielziner/Ballard credit on page xii; the first printing lacks both. Verify against Crandell.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has NO reference on the copyright page to the prior appearance of the preface in the New York Times, and NO Joseph Mielziner (and Lucinda Ballard) production credit on page xii; both are added in later printings (the key Crandell points). Contains two versions of Act Three (Williams' original plus the Broadway revision) with Williams' 'Note of Explanation.' Alvin Lustig-designed dust jacket, the printed price intact; brown cloth with black spine lettering.
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 New Directions 1955 is the true first. Pulitzer Prize 1955. The presence of both third-act versions is intrinsic to the first edition, not a later addition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings add the New York Times citation to the copyright page and the Mielziner/Ballard credit on page xii; the first printing lacks both. Verify against Crandell.
I have a first edition of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof — 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.