Nov 5, 2025 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
30
The rare first English edition of Waiting for Godot, signed
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Waiting for Godot. London: Faber and Faber, [1956]. First English edition, signed by Beckett on the title page, first printing (with "First published in England in mcmlvi" stated on the copyright page but lacking the tipped-in publisher's note, an impression of which is visible). Publisher’s cloth in dust jacket. 94 pp. The first signature is tightly glued (perhaps inserted for this edition?) and the front hinge cracked, slight lean, splits to jacket spine, price clipped, other light wear.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
Originally written in French, Samuel Beckett's own English language translation of Waiting for Godot was first published in New York by Grove Press in 1954. The first English edition though, was not published until 1956, at the time the play moved from the Arts Theatre to the Criterion Theatre, and several words and passages were censored by Lord Chamberlain. This included the removal of the word "erection," the name "Fartov" became "Popov," and Mrs. Gozzo had "warts" instead of "clap." For this, the English is considered the "mutilated" edition and is rare. A note from the publisher, lacking here, made mention of these changes.
Sold for $2,176
Estimated at $3,000 - $5,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Waiting for Godot. London: Faber and Faber, [1956]. First English edition, signed by Beckett on the title page, first printing (with "First published in England in mcmlvi" stated on the copyright page but lacking the tipped-in publisher's note, an impression of which is visible). Publisher’s cloth in dust jacket. 94 pp. The first signature is tightly glued (perhaps inserted for this edition?) and the front hinge cracked, slight lean, splits to jacket spine, price clipped, other light wear.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
Originally written in French, Samuel Beckett's own English language translation of Waiting for Godot was first published in New York by Grove Press in 1954. The first English edition though, was not published until 1956, at the time the play moved from the Arts Theatre to the Criterion Theatre, and several words and passages were censored by Lord Chamberlain. This included the removal of the word "erection," the name "Fartov" became "Popov," and Mrs. Gozzo had "warts" instead of "clap." For this, the English is considered the "mutilated" edition and is rare. A note from the publisher, lacking here, made mention of these changes.
Auction: Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nov 5, 2025
-
Popular Stage & Screen Auction on November 5, 2025 Attracted Global Audience
-
Memorabilia, Autographs, Artwork & Photographs Celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
-
Archive of Samuel Beckett Material from the Estate of His American Director Alan Schneider Topped $75,000
-
Sale Featured a Special Section Devoted to the Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's popular Stage & Screen auction on November 5, 2025 attracted fans and collectors around the world vying for an exciting range of offerings celebrating the performing arts of Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
The Estate of Alan Schneider
Featured in the sale was fascinating collection of early Waiting for Godot material from the Estate of Alan Schneider that topped $75,000 amid trans-Atlantic competition. “The primary American director of Samuel Beckett plays” and a close friend of the playwright, Alan Schneider died in 1984, and his widow died at 101 this past summer. This remarkable archive offered an extraordinary glimpse into the creative partnership between Schneider and Beckett, spanning decades of groundbreaking theatrical work. Highlights included Schneider’s annotated working copy of Waiting for Godot used in the landmark American production, an inscribed typescript of Eh Joe, and first editions and presentation copies of Endgame and Happy Days, many personally inscribed to Schneider by Beckett. Other treasures included manuscripts, letters, awards, recordings and posters that document a pivotal collaboration in modern theater history. Read more
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Doyle was honored to offer a sequel to the successful 2011 auction of property from the estate of the legendary actor. Featured in the sale were artwork, furniture, photographs and memorabilia. Read More.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
REQUEST AN ESTIMATE
