The points of issue
Copyright page reads 'Published by the Viking Press in March 1949' with no later printings listed. Broken/imperfect type in 'solid' on page 11 is the recognized first-issue typographic point. Orange cloth, spine and titles stamped in brown; Jo Mielziner stage-set pictorial endpapers. First-issue dust jacket designed by Joseph Hirsch, the printed price intact, with the jacket art positioned such that the 'S' of 'Salesman' aligns with the figure's elbow on the front panel, and the author photo on the rear flap.
Is this the true first?
US Viking 1949 is the true first (precedes the UK Cresset Press 1949). Beware jacket-restored or married copies.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition: jacket lacks the printed price or states 'Book Club Edition'; binding is often boards rather than cloth; a blind-stamped dot or mark appears at the lower-right rear board. The broken type alone is NOT conclusive, since some early club copies retain it; require the cloth binding plus the priced unclipped jacket plus the 'March 1949' statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Death of a Salesman a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page reads 'Published by the Viking Press in March 1949' with no later printings listed. Broken/imperfect type in 'solid' on page 11 is the recognized first-issue typographic point. Orange cloth, spine and titles stamped in brown; Jo Mielziner stage-set pictorial endpapers. First-issue dust jacket designed by Joseph Hirsch, the printed price intact, with the jacket art positioned such that the 'S' of 'Salesman' aligns with the figure's elbow on the front panel, and the author photo on the rear flap.
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 Viking 1949 is the true first (precedes the UK Cresset Press 1949). Beware jacket-restored or married copies.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition: jacket lacks the printed price or states 'Book Club Edition'; binding is often boards rather than cloth; a blind-stamped dot or mark appears at the lower-right rear board. The broken type alone is NOT conclusive, since some early club copies retain it; require the cloth binding plus the priced unclipped jacket plus the 'March 1949' statement.
I have a first edition of Death of a Salesman — 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.