The points of issue
Methuen, London, 1987, in the Royal Court Writers series; issued in card wrappers (paperback original), copyright page stating 'First published in 1987 by Methuen' with no later-printing line. Published for the first performances at the Royal Court Theatre in 1987.
Is this the true first?
UK Methuen 1987 is the true first; a revised text followed after the West End transfer, so confirm the first-printing state via the copyright page.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Revised editions, the Methuen Student Edition, and the 'Churchill Plays: Two' collected volume are later. No book-club issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Serious Money a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Methuen, London, 1987, in the Royal Court Writers series; issued in card wrappers (paperback original), copyright page stating 'First published in 1987 by Methuen' with no later-printing line. Published for the first performances at the Royal Court Theatre in 1987.
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. UK Methuen 1987 is the true first; a revised text followed after the West End transfer, so confirm the first-printing state via the copyright page.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Revised editions, the Methuen Student Edition, and the 'Churchill Plays: Two' collected volume are later. No book-club issue.
I have a first edition of Serious Money — 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.