The points of issue
Novel. Contrary to the original record, the US Doubleday Doran edition is the true first: per the Stott bibliography and dealer descriptions, the American edition preceded the UK Heinemann edition by about three weeks. Both appeared in 1937.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday Doran is the true first; UK Heinemann (1937) followed about three weeks later.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue noted.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Theatre a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Novel. Contrary to the original record, the US Doubleday Doran edition is the true first: per the Stott bibliography and dealer descriptions, the American edition preceded the UK Heinemann edition by about three weeks. Both appeared in 1937.
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 Doubleday Doran is the true first; UK Heinemann (1937) followed about three weeks later.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue noted.
I have a first edition of Theatre — 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.