The points of issue
'The America Play and Other Works' (TCG, 1995, ISBN 1-55936-092-5 / 9781559360920), trade paperback original collecting The America Play, Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom, The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World, and other plays and essays ('Possession,' 'from Elements of Style,' 'An Equation for Black People Onstage'). First printing without a later-printing line.
Is this the true first?
The TCG 1995 collection is the first book appearance of these early Parks works; softcover original, no hardcover first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue; later printings differ by an added number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The America Play a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'The America Play and Other Works' (TCG, 1995, ISBN 1-55936-092-5 / 9781559360920), trade paperback original collecting The America Play, Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom, The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World, and other plays and essays ('Possession,' 'from Elements of Style,' 'An Equation for Black People Onstage'). First printing without a later-printing line.
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 TCG 1995 collection is the first book appearance of these early Parks works; softcover original, no hardcover first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue; later printings differ by an added number line.
I have a first edition of The America Play — 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.