The points of issue
French first edition in printed wrappers, with the 'acheve d'imprimer' dated 1952 in plain Minuit typographic wrappers. This French original is the true world-first; do not conflate it with any English-language edition.
Is this the true first?
The Minuit French 'En attendant Godot' (1952) is the world-first. For the English text, Beckett's own translation appeared first from Grove Press (New York) in 1954; the Faber and Faber (London) 1956 edition was the first UK publication and used the censored stage text (the unexpurgated UK text did not appear until 1965). So Grove 1954 is the English-language first, Faber 1956 the UK first thus.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Minuit printings carry higher reprint dates in the acheve d'imprimer. The Grove US and Faber UK English editions are separate collectibles; do not confuse an English-language copy with the French true first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Waiting for Godot (En attendant Godot) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: French first edition in printed wrappers, with the 'acheve d'imprimer' dated 1952 in plain Minuit typographic wrappers. This French original is the true world-first; do not conflate it with any English-language edition.
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 Minuit French 'En attendant Godot' (1952) is the world-first. For the English text, Beckett's own translation appeared first from Grove Press (New York) in 1954; the Faber and Faber (London) 1956 edition was the first UK publication and used the censored stage text (the unexpurgated UK text did
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Minuit printings carry higher reprint dates in the acheve d'imprimer. The Grove US and Faber UK English editions are separate collectibles; do not confuse an English-language copy with the French true first.
I have a first edition of Waiting for Godot (En attendant 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.