The points of issue
Copyright page states 'FIRST PRINTING' (standard Random House practice). Approximately 5,000 copies. Frontispiece photograph from the original production. Issued in cloth binding color variants (rose-pink, brick/reddish-orange, dull red) with no established priority among them. Crandell A1.1.a.
Is this the true first?
US Random House 1945 is the true first edition (Williams' first published full-length play in book form; precedes the UK John Lehmann edition). Author-signed copies are inscribed trade copies.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguished from reprints by the 'FIRST PRINTING' slug on the copyright page; later Random House printings drop that slug or add printing history. Not a common book-club target.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Glass Menagerie a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'FIRST PRINTING' (standard Random House practice). Approximately 5,000 copies. Frontispiece photograph from the original production. Issued in cloth binding color variants (rose-pink, brick/reddish-orange, dull red) with no established priority among them. Crandell A1.1.a.
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. US Random House 1945 is the true first edition (Williams' first published full-length play in book form; precedes the UK John Lehmann edition). Author-signed copies are inscribed trade copies.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguished from reprints by the 'FIRST PRINTING' slug on the copyright page; later Random House printings drop that slug or add printing history. Not a common book-club target.
I have a first edition of The Glass Menagerie — 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.