The points of issue
The French original was Les Éditions de Minuit (Paris) 1951. The first English translation (by Beckett and Patrick Bowles) was published by Olympia Press, Paris, 1955, in the Merlin/Collection Merlin series, preceding the Grove Press New York edition (also 1955).
Is this the true first?
True first is the French Minuit 1951. First in English is the Olympia Press (Paris) 1955 edition, which precedes Grove Press New York 1955. The Olympia issue is the scarce English true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Grove and later printings distinguished by imprint and date; the green Olympia 'Merlin' wrappers identify the Paris English first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Molloy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The French original was Les Éditions de Minuit (Paris) 1951. The first English translation (by Beckett and Patrick Bowles) was published by Olympia Press, Paris, 1955, in the Merlin/Collection Merlin series, preceding the Grove Press New York edition (also 1955).
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. True first is the French Minuit 1951. First in English is the Olympia Press (Paris) 1955 edition, which precedes Grove Press New York 1955. The Olympia issue is the scarce English true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Grove and later printings distinguished by imprint and date; the green Olympia 'Merlin' wrappers identify the Paris English first.
I have a first edition of Molloy — 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.