# Is "Disclosure" by Michael Crichton a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Disclosure by Michael Crichton (Alfred A. Knopf, 1994) is identified by: Knopf trade issue states 'First Trade Edition' on the copyright page with a full number line; the priced dust jacket is unclipped on the front flap. The Knopf trade edition (1994) was preceded by a signed, leather-bound Franklin Library limited edition (Signed First Edition Society, 1993).

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Knopf trade issue states 'First Trade Edition' on the copyright page with a full number line; the priced dust jacket is unclipped on the front flap
- Publisher imprint reads Alfred A. Knopf
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael Crichton |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Year | 1994 |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Knopf trade issue states 'First Trade Edition' on the copyright page with a full number… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Knopf trade issue states 'First Trade Edition' on the copyright page with a full number line; the priced dust jacket is unclipped on the front flap.

## Is this the true first?
The Knopf trade edition (1994) was preceded by a signed, leather-bound Franklin Library limited edition (Signed First Edition Society, 1993). Collectors treat the Knopf issue as the true first TRADE edition; the Franklin Library issue is the earliest printed form.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club printings lack the 'First Trade Edition' statement and often carry a blindstamp to the rear board.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Disclosure* by Michael Crichton a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/disclosure
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.