# Is "Writing in Restaurants (essays)" by David Mamet a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Writing in Restaurants (essays) by David Mamet (Viking, 1986) is identified by: The Viking Press, New York, 1986. US Viking Press first edition, 1986; the hardcover is the collectible issue.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The Viking Press, New York, 1986
- Hardcover in dust jacket, First Edition stated on the copyright page
- Dust jacket carries the original price on the front flap
- Publisher imprint reads Viking
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | David Mamet |
| Publisher | Viking |
| Year | 1986 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The Viking Press, New York, 1986 |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
The Viking Press, New York, 1986. Hardcover in dust jacket, First Edition stated on the copyright page. Dust jacket carries the original price on the front flap.

## Is this the true first?
US Viking Press first edition, 1986; the hardcover is the collectible issue.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club edition noted for the true first.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Writing in Restaurants (essays)* by David Mamet a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/writing-in-restaurants-essays
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.