# Is "A Summons to Memphis" by Peter Taylor a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor (Alfred A. Knopf, 1986) is identified by: Knopf 1986 first printing: copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION'; Borzoi device present; first-issue pale-yellow boards quarter-bound in black cloth with gilt spine lettering and the author's gilt initials to the front board, in priced jacket. US Knopf 1986 is the true first; the stated 'FIRST EDITION' is the point.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Knopf 1986 first printing: copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION'
- Borzoi device present; first-issue pale-yellow boards quarter-bound in black cloth with gilt spine lettering and the author's gilt initials to the front board, in priced jacket
- Publisher imprint reads Alfred A. Knopf
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Peter Taylor |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Year | 1986 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Knopf 1986 first printing: copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION' |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Knopf 1986 first printing: copyright page states 'FIRST EDITION'; Borzoi device present; first-issue pale-yellow boards quarter-bound in black cloth with gilt spine lettering and the author's gilt initials to the front board, in priced jacket.

## Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1986 is the true first; the stated 'FIRST EDITION' is the point. A Franklin Library signed limited edition exists as a separate issue.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions lack the 'FIRST EDITION' statement and carry a blind-stamp to the rear board with an unpriced jacket.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *A Summons to Memphis* by Peter Taylor a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/a-summons-to-memphis
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-04.