The points of issue
Methuen, London, 1982. The first edition is the softcover playscript in wrappers, copyright page stating 'First published in 1982 by Methuen London' with no later-printing line; a simultaneous hardcover in boards was also issued and is the scarcer state. Premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1982.
Is this the true first?
UK Methuen 1982 is the true first; US printings and the Samuel French acting edition followed. The hardcover-in-boards state is scarcer than the standard wrappers issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The 1991 Methuen Drama Student Edition (added commentary by Naismith and Worrall) and later 'Churchill Plays' collected volumes are not the first edition. Watch for reprints carrying added printing lines or revised covers.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Top Girls a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Methuen, London, 1982. The first edition is the softcover playscript in wrappers, copyright page stating 'First published in 1982 by Methuen London' with no later-printing line; a simultaneous hardcover in boards was also issued and is the scarcer state. Premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1982.
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 1982 is the true first; US printings and the Samuel French acting edition followed. The hardcover-in-boards state is scarcer than the standard wrappers issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The 1991 Methuen Drama Student Edition (added commentary by Naismith and Worrall) and later 'Churchill Plays' collected volumes are not the first edition. Watch for reprints carrying added printing lines or revised covers.
I have a first edition of Top Girls — 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.