The points of issue
First edition Methuen & Co., London, 1965. Copyright page states 'First published 1965' (later impressions add impression lines). Issued in black cloth with gilt spine titles in a pictorial dust jacket, and also in the Methuen Modern Plays wrappers; the cloth in jacket is the preferred state. 83 pp.
Is this the true first?
UK Methuen 1965 is the true first and precedes the US Grove Press edition (1966). The Methuen imprint is the precedence point for Pinter's British firsts. Signed copies are inscribed trade copies.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. First impression identified by 'First published 1965' with no later-impression statement; Grove (US) 1966 is a separate later first thus.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Homecoming a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition Methuen & Co., London, 1965. Copyright page states 'First published 1965' (later impressions add impression lines). Issued in black cloth with gilt spine titles in a pictorial dust jacket, and also in the Methuen Modern Plays wrappers; the cloth in jacket is the preferred state. 83 pp.
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 1965 is the true first and precedes the US Grove Press edition (1966). The Methuen imprint is the precedence point for Pinter's British firsts. Signed copies are inscribed trade copies.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. First impression identified by 'First published 1965' with no later-impression statement; Grove (US) 1966 is a separate later first thus.
I have a first edition of The Homecoming — 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.