The points of issue
First edition was issued by Plume (New American Library / Dutton) as a trade-paperback original in 1985; there is no trade hardcover first. The Plume title and copyright pages identify the edition, and the first printing is identified by the lowest number in the printing line with no later-printing statement. This was Wilson's first major published play and his first book.
Is this the true first?
The Plume trade-paperback original is the true first edition. Wilson's early Century Cycle plays were published as paperback originals, not as trade hardcovers, so there is no precedent hardcover trade first to seek; any hardcover is a later book-club issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No trade hardcover precedes the paperback original; a book-club hardcover, if encountered, is a later secondary issue. The first printing is identified by the full printing number line and the absence of a later-printing statement.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition was issued by Plume (New American Library / Dutton) as a trade-paperback original in 1985; there is no trade hardcover first. The Plume title and copyright pages identify the edition, and the first printing is identified by the lowest number in the printing line with no later-printing statement. This was Wilson's first major published play and his first book.
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 Plume trade-paperback original is the true first edition. Wilson's early Century Cycle plays were published as paperback originals, not as trade hardcovers, so there is no precedent hardcover trade first to seek; any hardcover is a later book-club issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No trade hardcover precedes the paperback original; a book-club hardcover, if encountered, is a later secondary issue. The first printing is identified by the full printing number line and the absence of a later-printing statement.
I have a first edition of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — 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.