The points of issue
First American edition in book form of these three early one-acts (Coward-McCann, New York, 1960), Albee's first book, with a short introduction by the author. Light blue cloth lettered to the spine, in dust jacket with the printed price at the foot of the front flap. The first printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
This Coward-McCann 1960 volume is the standard first edition in book form; it is preceded only by a softcover acting edition, and The Zoo Story itself premiered in Berlin in 1959. Treat it as the first edition in book form / first thus for the collected plays.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings are stated on the copyright page ('Tenth Printing,' and so on). No prominent book-club edition; the first printing has no printing line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Zoo Story, The Death of Bessie Smith, The Sandbox a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First American edition in book form of these three early one-acts (Coward-McCann, New York, 1960), Albee's first book, with a short introduction by the author. Light blue cloth lettered to the spine, in dust jacket with the printed price at the foot of the front flap. The first printing carries no later-printing statement on the copyright 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. This Coward-McCann 1960 volume is the standard first edition in book form; it is preceded only by a softcover acting edition, and The Zoo Story itself premiered in Berlin in 1959. Treat it as the first edition in book form / first thus for the collected plays.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings are stated on the copyright page ('Tenth Printing,' and so on). No prominent book-club edition; the first printing has no printing line.
I have a first edition of The Zoo Story, The Death of Bessie Smith, The Sandbox — 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.