The points of issue
Methuen Drama, London, 1998 (ISBN 0-413-72490-5); issued in wrappers, copyright page stating 'First published 1998 by Methuen.' Premiered at the Cottesloe, National Theatre, in 1998. The first printing lacks a later-printing line; a revised edition with an added postscript followed after release of the Bohr letters.
Is this the true first?
UK Methuen 1998 is the true first; the US Anchor Books edition (2000) is a separate later first. The revised Methuen text with new postscript is a 'first thus.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The Methuen Student Edition (with study apparatus) and the revised-postscript editions are not the first. No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Copenhagen a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Methuen Drama, London, 1998 (ISBN 0-413-72490-5); issued in wrappers, copyright page stating 'First published 1998 by Methuen.' Premiered at the Cottesloe, National Theatre, in 1998. The first printing lacks a later-printing line; a revised edition with an added postscript followed after release of the Bohr letters.
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 Methuen 1998 is the true first; the US Anchor Books edition (2000) is a separate later first. The revised Methuen text with new postscript is a 'first thus.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The Methuen Student Edition (with study apparatus) and the revised-postscript editions are not the first. No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Copenhagen — 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.