The points of issue
First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1975. Publisher's green boards lettered in gilt on the spine, in a pictorial dust wrapper priced 2.50 net showing photographs of John Wood as Henry Carr and Beth Morris as Cecily. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1975' with no later-impression statement. (Play premiered 1974; book published 1975.)
Is this the true first?
UK Faber 1975 is the true first, preceding the US Grove edition. The cloth/boards hardback in its pictorial jacket is the premium state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. The first impression is identified by the 'First published in 1975' statement with no later-impression line. The US Grove printing is a separate national first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Travesties a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, Faber and Faber, London, 1975. Publisher's green boards lettered in gilt on the spine, in a pictorial dust wrapper priced 2.50 net showing photographs of John Wood as Henry Carr and Beth Morris as Cecily. Copyright page reads 'First published in 1975' with no later-impression statement. (Play premiered 1974; book published 1975.)
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 Faber 1975 is the true first, preceding the US Grove edition. The cloth/boards hardback in its pictorial jacket is the premium state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. The first impression is identified by the 'First published in 1975' statement with no later-impression line. The US Grove printing is a separate national first.
I have a first edition of Travesties — 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.