The points of issue
The original French text 'En attendant Godot' was published by Les Éditions de Minuit (Paris) in 1952. The first English-language edition is Grove Press New York 1954 (Beckett's own translation); the first UK English edition is Faber & Faber London 1956, which was censored (with restorations later). For the English first, look for Grove 1954 with the first-state binding/jacket.
Is this the true first?
True first overall is the French Minuit 1952. First in English is Grove Press 1954 (US), preceding the UK Faber 1956 (which carried Lord Chamberlain–required cuts). So the English-language true first is American, not British.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Faber acting editions and later Grove printings are distinguished by date and binding; the censored vs. uncensored Faber states matter for the UK edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Waiting for Godot a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The original French text 'En attendant Godot' was published by Les Éditions de Minuit (Paris) in 1952. The first English-language edition is Grove Press New York 1954 (Beckett's own translation); the first UK English edition is Faber & Faber London 1956, which was censored (with restorations later). For the English first, look for Grove 1954 with the first-state binding/jacket.
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. True first overall is the French Minuit 1952. First in English is Grove Press 1954 (US), preceding the UK Faber 1956 (which carried Lord Chamberlain–required cuts). So the English-language true first is American, not British.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Faber acting editions and later Grove printings are distinguished by date and binding; the censored vs. uncensored Faber states matter for the UK edition.
I have a first edition of Waiting for Godot — 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.