The points of issue
First edition Coward-McCann, New York, 1961, issued in 1961 in two simultaneous formats: a softcover (wrappers) issue in the publisher's contemporary-drama series and a hardcover issue in cloth with dust jacket. The first printing of either format carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page; the priced dust jacket accompanies the hardcover issue.
Is this the true first?
The US Coward-McCann 1961 edition is the first book appearance. Both the wrappers and the cloth issues appeared in 1961 and their priority is not firmly settled in the trade, so neither should be presented as the sole true first. Later combined Signet and Plume paperbacks (often pairing the play with The Zoo Story) are reprints, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Combined paperback editions (Signet, Plume) are later reprints. The first printing is distinguished by the absence of a printing history on the copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The American Dream a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition Coward-McCann, New York, 1961, issued in 1961 in two simultaneous formats: a softcover (wrappers) issue in the publisher's contemporary-drama series and a hardcover issue in cloth with dust jacket. The first printing of either format carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page; the priced dust jacket accompanies the hardcover issue.
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 US Coward-McCann 1961 edition is the first book appearance. Both the wrappers and the cloth issues appeared in 1961 and their priority is not firmly settled in the trade, so neither should be presented as the sole true first. Later combined Signet and Plume paperbacks (often pairing the play wit
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Combined paperback editions (Signet, Plume) are later reprints. The first printing is distinguished by the absence of a printing history on the copyright page.
I have a first edition of The American Dream — 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.