# Is "Falconer" by John Cheever a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Falconer by John Cheever (Alfred A. Knopf, 1977) is identified by: 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page of the true first; the first-state dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. The US Knopf edition is the true first; the UK Jonathan Cape edition follows.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page of the true first; the first-state dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap
- Be aware that some copies carry a 'Second printing before publication' notice on the copyright page and are not the first printing
- Publisher imprint reads Alfred A. Knopf
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | John Cheever |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Year | 1977 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page of the true first; the first-state dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
'First Edition' stated on the copyright page of the true first; the first-state dust jacket carries the printed price on the front flap. Be aware that some copies carry a 'Second printing before publication' notice on the copyright page and are not the first printing.

## Is this the true first?
The US Knopf edition is the true first; the UK Jonathan Cape edition follows.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book-club issue lacks the 'First Edition' statement, shows a blind-stamp on the rear board, has an unpriced jacket, and tends to have slightly smaller boards.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Falconer* by John Cheever a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/falconer
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.