How to Identify an Alfred A. Knopf First Edition

Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. — identified by its iconic Borzoi (Russian wolfhound) colophon — is one of the most prestigious American publishers and one of the most important for collectors of modern literary first editions. Founded in 1915 by Alfred A. Knopf and Blanche Knopf, the house has published an extraordinary roster of authors including Cormac McCarthy, Toni Morrison, John Updike, Gabriel García Márquez, Kazuo Ishiguro, Albert Camus, Thomas Mann, and Haruki Murakami.

Company History

1915: Alfred A. Knopf and Blanche Knopf founded the company in New York, with a commitment to beautiful book design and international literature.

1920s–1960s: Established as the premier literary publisher in America. Known for both distinguished content and distinguished production — Knopf books were recognizable by their quality bindings, typography, and the Borzoi device.

1960: Purchased by Random House. Knopf maintained its editorial independence and identity.

Present: An imprint of Penguin Random House, still maintaining its distinctive character and the Borzoi colophon.

First Edition Identification

The “FIRST EDITION” Statement

Knopf’s primary identification method: the words “FIRST EDITION” appear on the copyright page of first printings. This statement is removed for subsequent printings.

The Number Line (Modern Period)

From the 1970s onward, Knopf also uses a number line:

2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3 1

The presence of “1” in the number line confirms the first printing. Both the “FIRST EDITION” statement and the number line should be present on first printings from this period.

Earlier Period (Pre-1970s)

Before number lines, the “FIRST EDITION” statement alone was the primary indicator. For second and subsequent printings, the statement was removed and replaced with printing information (e.g., “Second Printing”).

Some very early Knopf titles (1920s–1930s) may use different conventions. For major collected authors from this period, consult published bibliographies.

The Borzoi Colophon

The Borzoi (Russian wolfhound) device appears on the title page and/or spine of Knopf publications. It is a publisher identifier, not a printing indicator — its presence confirms the book is a Knopf publication but does not identify the printing.

The Borzoi device has been redrawn several times over the decades, and the specific version can help date the edition.

Notable Knopf First Editions

Cormac McCarthy:

• Blood Meridian (1985, Random House — pre-Knopf)
• All the Pretty Horses (1992)
• The Crossing (1994)
• No Country for Old Men (2005)
• The Road (2006)
• The Passenger (2022)

Toni Morrison:

• Song of Solomon (1977)
• Beloved (1987)
• Jazz (1992)

John Updike:

• Rabbit, Run (1960)
• Couples (1968)
• Rabbit Is Rich (1981)
• Rabbit at Rest (1990)

Other important Knopf first editions:

• The Remains of the Day (Ishiguro, 1989)
• Borstal Boy (Behan, 1959)
• The Stranger (Camus, 1946 — US first)
• Kafka on the Shore (Murakami, 2005 — US first)

Common Pitfalls

“FIRST EDITION” retained. Verify both the text statement and the number line. In rare cases, the “FIRST EDITION” statement may persist into a later printing if the number line has been updated but the text was not removed.

Knopf vs. Random House. Though owned by the same parent, Knopf and Random House have different identification systems. Do not apply Random House rules to Knopf titles.

Book club editions. Knopf titles were frequently issued as book club editions. Check for blind stamps, absence of jacket price, and lighter paper.

The “Borzoi Book” designation. Some Knopf titles include “A Borzoi Book” on the title page. This confirms the publisher but not the printing.

Quick Identification Summary