The points of issue
Two different 1967 English translations, a genuine point of issue rather than printings. First, the Mirra Ginsburg translation, Grove Press, New York, 1967 (stated first American edition, first printing), based on the shortened/censored Moskva magazine text; an octavo of about 402 pages. Second, the Michael Glenny translation, used for both Collins & Harvill (London) and Harper & Row (New York) in 1967, based on the fuller, less-censored manuscript. Identify by the translator credit on the title page.
Is this the true first?
First English is 1967 in two competing states: Grove/Ginsburg (shorter text) versus Collins & Harvill and Harper & Row/Glenny (fuller text). The Ginsburg/Grove US edition and the Glenny UK Collins & Harvill edition are both 1967 firsts of their respective texts. Complete Russian book publication followed later (Frankfurt 1969; full Soviet text 1973).
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Collectors should specify translator and publisher: the Glenny text is more complete, the Ginsburg text shorter. Later printings carry number lines; the censorship-driven textual difference is the key point of issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Master and Margarita (Master i Margarita) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two different 1967 English translations, a genuine point of issue rather than printings. First, the Mirra Ginsburg translation, Grove Press, New York, 1967 (stated first American edition, first printing), based on the shortened/censored Moskva magazine text; an octavo of about 402 pages. Second, the Michael Glenny translation, used for both Collins & Harvill (London) and Harper & Row (New York) in 1967, based on the fuller, less-censored manuscript. Identify by the translator credit on the title page.
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. First English is 1967 in two competing states: Grove/Ginsburg (shorter text) versus Collins & Harvill and Harper & Row/Glenny (fuller text). The Ginsburg/Grove US edition and the Glenny UK Collins & Harvill edition are both 1967 firsts of their respective texts. Complete Russian book publication fol
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Collectors should specify translator and publisher: the Glenny text is more complete, the Ginsburg text shorter. Later printings carry number lines; the censorship-driven textual difference is the key point of issue.
I have a first edition of The Master and Margarita (Master i Margarita) — 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.