Earliest obtainable manifestation of Godot. The best copy we have handled of what is effectively the earliest obtainable manifestation of Godot; a beautiful thing.

Written between October 1948 and January 1949, the play was not produced until January 1953, with Roger Blin directing at the Theatre de Babylone (the English language version premiered some two years later in London). First published in September 1952 by Les Editions de Minuit, ahead of the first full performance, only 2500 copies were printed. Thirty 'reviewers came to the générale of En attendant Godot before the public opening... Contrary to later legend, the reviewers were kind... Some dozen reviews in daily newspapers range[d] from tolerant to enthusiastic... Reviews in the weeklies [were] longer and more fervent; moreover, they appeared in time to lure spectators to that first thirty-day run' (Cohn, From Desire to Godot).

First trade edition, first printing (only preceded by the private edition of just 35 numbered copies); small 8vo; somewhat browned internally as always with the papier courant issue; original wrappers printed in blue and black, in the very early, if not original glassine, very light vertical crease to backstip but an absolutely stunning copy and rare thus; contained in a custom-made, blue cloth drop-down box.

Federman & Fletcher 259.