The points of issue
First English-language edition, translated by Beckett from his French 'Fin de partie' and published by Grove Press, New York, 1958, with the full title 'Endgame: A Play in One Act, Followed by Act Without Words: A Mime for One Player.' Issued in cloth and in wrappers; a small cloth issue was also done. The first printing shows no later-printing statement on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
The French 'Fin de partie' (Les Editions de Minuit, Paris, 1957, original printed wrappers) is the true first of the play. The Grove Press 1958 volume is the first English-language edition; the Faber and Faber UK edition is the first British English edition. Distinguish by imprint on the title and copyright pages.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition is the collecting target. Identify the English first by the Grove (or Faber) 1958 imprint with no printing-history line on the copyright page; later printings are stated there.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Endgame a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First English-language edition, translated by Beckett from his French 'Fin de partie' and published by Grove Press, New York, 1958, with the full title 'Endgame: A Play in One Act, Followed by Act Without Words: A Mime for One Player.' Issued in cloth and in wrappers; a small cloth issue was also done. The first printing shows no later-printing statement on the copyright page.
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 French 'Fin de partie' (Les Editions de Minuit, Paris, 1957, original printed wrappers) is the true first of the play. The Grove Press 1958 volume is the first English-language edition; the Faber and Faber UK edition is the first British English edition. Distinguish by imprint on the title and c
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition is the collecting target. Identify the English first by the Grove (or Faber) 1958 imprint with no printing-history line on the copyright page; later printings are stated there.
I have a first edition of Endgame — 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.