The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's stated-first practice through the mid-1980s). Black cloth with the author's name blind-stamped on the front board, spine lettered in silver; top edge with a pinkish/red publisher's stain. Approx. 242 pp. White typographic dust jacket designed by Harry Ford, with the printed price on the front flap.
Is this the true first?
US Atheneum 1962 is the true first (precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1964 edition). Albee frequently signed copies; signed firsts are inscribed or signed trade copies, not a separate state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book Club Edition lacks the 'First Edition' statement, has a blind-stamp dot on the rear board, lighter or thinner boards, and an unpriced or clipped jacket. The combination of stated 'First Edition' plus the priced jacket plus the blind-stamped author name plus the pinkish/red top stain confirms the first printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First Edition' (Atheneum's stated-first practice through the mid-1980s). Black cloth with the author's name blind-stamped on the front board, spine lettered in silver; top edge with a pinkish/red publisher's stain. Approx. 242 pp. White typographic dust jacket designed by Harry Ford, with the printed price on the front flap.
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. US Atheneum 1962 is the true first (precedes the UK Jonathan Cape 1964 edition). Albee frequently signed copies; signed firsts are inscribed or signed trade copies, not a separate state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book Club Edition lacks the 'First Edition' statement, has a blind-stamp dot on the rear board, lighter or thinner boards, and an unpriced or clipped jacket. The combination of stated 'First Edition' plus the priced jacket plus the blind-stamped author name plus the pinkish/red top stain confirms the first printing.
I have a first edition of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — 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.