The points of issue
First US edition in English, translated by Leila Vennewitz, published by McGraw-Hill, New York, 1973, with first printing stated on the copyright page (later impressions note additional printings). 405 pages.
Is this the true first?
First in English is the McGraw-Hill US edition of 1973 (Vennewitz translation), with the UK Martin Secker & Warburg edition also appearing in 1973. The German original was published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch in 1971. The novel was cited in connection with Böll's 1972 Nobel Prize.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings note additional impressions on the copyright page; no major US book-club premium attaches to the points here.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Group Portrait with Lady (Gruppenbild mit Dame) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First US edition in English, translated by Leila Vennewitz, published by McGraw-Hill, New York, 1973, with first printing stated on the copyright page (later impressions note additional printings). 405 pages.
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. First in English is the McGraw-Hill US edition of 1973 (Vennewitz translation), with the UK Martin Secker & Warburg edition also appearing in 1973. The German original was published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch in 1971. The novel was cited in connection with Böll's 1972 Nobel Prize.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings note additional impressions on the copyright page; no major US book-club premium attaches to the points here.
I have a first edition of Group Portrait with Lady (Gruppenbild mit Dame) — 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.