The points of issue
The play premiered in 1980. The first book-form text appears in 1981 in the Bantam collection 'Seven Plays' (trade paperback), the Samuel French acting edition, and the Faber UK edition. There is no prominent standalone US trade-hardcover first edition; collect the play within the 1981 collected or acting-edition texts.
Is this the true first?
The true first book text is contained in the 1981 editions rather than a separate trade hardcover. The Faber UK edition and the Bantam 'Seven Plays' collection are the principal collectible texts. Scrutinize any standalone 'first edition' claim carefully.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Acting editions and later anthology reprints, including the Vintage 'Seven Plays', are not the first. No book-club hardcover is recorded.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of True West a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The play premiered in 1980. The first book-form text appears in 1981 in the Bantam collection 'Seven Plays' (trade paperback), the Samuel French acting edition, and the Faber UK edition. There is no prominent standalone US trade-hardcover first edition; collect the play within the 1981 collected or acting-edition texts.
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 true first book text is contained in the 1981 editions rather than a separate trade hardcover. The Faber UK edition and the Bantam 'Seven Plays' collection are the principal collectible texts. Scrutinize any standalone 'first edition' claim carefully.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Acting editions and later anthology reprints, including the Vintage 'Seven Plays', are not the first. No book-club hardcover is recorded.
I have a first edition of True West — 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.