# Is "Music for Chameleons" by Truman Capote a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote (Random House, 1980) is identified by: Copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line; for a first printing the line retains the low digit per Random House practice of the period. The Random House trade first is the true first.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line; for a first printing the line retains the low digit per Random House practice of the period
- First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap
- Publisher imprint reads Random House
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Truman Capote |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Year | 1980 |
| True first | — |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line; for a first printing the line retains the low digit per Random House practice of… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Copyright page states 'First Edition' with a number line; for a first printing the line retains the low digit per Random House practice of the period. First-issue jacket carries the printed price on the front flap.

## Is this the true first?
The Random House trade first is the true first. A signed/numbered limited issue exists separately.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club copies lack the 'First Edition' statement and complete number line and the front-flap price.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Music for Chameleons* by Truman Capote a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/music-for-chameleons
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.