The points of issue
TCG edition, 2001 (ISBN 1-55936-201-4 / 9781559362016), trade paperback original. First printing states 'First Edition' and lacks a later-printing line on the copyright page. Issued in wrappers; no trade hardcover.
Is this the true first?
The US TCG 2001 wrappers is the true first (2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama). A UK Methuen edition followed. This is a softcover-original; there is no hardcover first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later TCG printings (post-Pulitzer, 2002 onward) add 'Pulitzer Prize Winner' banners and/or number lines and are not firsts.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Topdog/Underdog a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: TCG edition, 2001 (ISBN 1-55936-201-4 / 9781559362016), trade paperback original. First printing states 'First Edition' and lacks a later-printing line on the copyright page. Issued in wrappers; no trade hardcover.
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. The US TCG 2001 wrappers is the true first (2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama). A UK Methuen edition followed. This is a softcover-original; there is no hardcover first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later TCG printings (post-Pulitzer, 2002 onward) add 'Pulitzer Prize Winner' banners and/or number lines and are not firsts.
I have a first edition of Topdog/Underdog — 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.