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American publishers

Identifying Alfred A. Knopf first editions

K
nopf, with its borzoi device, has long marked first printings with a plain 'First Edition' statement. This guide sets out how Alfred A. Knopf marked its printings over time, how to read its number lines and statements, and where collectors most often go wrong.

How Alfred A. Knopf marked its first printings

c. 1930s – present

'First Edition' on the copyright page denotes the first printing; later printings typically replace it with 'Second Printing', 'Third Printing' and so on, or with a number line.

Early Knopf (1915 – c. 1933)

Practice varied; early books may lack any statement, so compare the title-page date with the copyright date and look for later-printing notices.

Modern

Where a number line appears with 'First Edition', the lowest number should be 1.

Reading the number line

Where Alfred A. Knopf prints a number line (a row such as 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), the printer removes the lowest number at each new printing. The lowest number you can see is therefore the printing: a first printing shows 1. Split lines such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 work the same way; look for the 1 anywhere in the row.

What the edition statement means

This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.

Common pitfalls

  • Some later printings add a printing notice at the foot of the page that is easy to miss.
  • Knopf's Canadian and UK co-editions can carry different statements.

Book-club editions

  • A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board.
  • No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap.
  • Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.

Checking a copy in hand

  1. Read the entire copyright page, including small type at the foot, for any later-printing notice.
  2. Find the number line, if any, and note the lowest number.
  3. Compare the copyright date with any title-page date; on a first printing they normally agree.
  4. Check the jacket flap for a price and the rear board for a blind-stamp.
  5. For valuable titles, confirm title-specific points in a descriptive bibliography.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell if a Alfred A. Knopf book is a first edition?

Knopf, with its borzoi device, has long marked first printings with a plain 'First Edition' statement. c. 1930s – present: 'First Edition' on the copyright page denotes the first printing; later printings typically replace it with 'Second Printing', 'Third Printing' and so on, or with a number line. Early Knopf (1915 – c. 1933): Practice varied; early books may lack any statement, so compare the title-page date with the copyright date and look for later-printing notices. Modern: Where a number line appears with 'First Edition', the lowest number should be 1.

Does a Alfred A. Knopf number line start at 1?

Generally yes. When Alfred A. Knopf uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.

Does "First Edition" on a Alfred A. Knopf copyright page guarantee a first printing?

This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.

How can I spot a Alfred A. Knopf book-club edition?

A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board. No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap. Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.

What are the common mistakes with Alfred A. Knopf first editions?

Some later printings add a printing notice at the foot of the page that is easy to miss. Knopf's Canadian and UK co-editions can carry different statements.

Sources of known practice

  • Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
  • Bill McBride, A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions

Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.

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