# Is "Servant of the Bones" by Anne Rice a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of Servant of the Bones by Anne Rice (Alfred A. Knopf, 1996) is identified by: The US Knopf first printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Knopf's practice for this title, not a descending number line). US Alfred A.

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- The US Knopf first printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Knopf's practice for this title, not a descending number line)
- The book is bound in black boards with gilt lettering to the spine; the priced dust jacket carries jacket art by Carol Devine Carson reproducing the relief of the Romans bearing the spoils of Jerusalem from the Arch of Titus, with author photograph by Neil Alexander
- The printed price should be present on the front flap
- Publisher imprint reads Alfred A. Knopf
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | Anne Rice |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Year | 1996 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | The US Knopf first printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Knopf's… |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
The US Knopf first printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page (Knopf's practice for this title, not a descending number line). The book is bound in black boards with gilt lettering to the spine; the priced dust jacket carries jacket art by Carol Devine Carson reproducing the relief of the Romans bearing the spoils of Jerusalem from the Arch of Titus, with author photograph by Neil Alexander. The printed price should be present on the front flap.

## Is this the true first?
US Alfred A. Knopf first, 1996 (387 pp.), stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page.

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions are blind-stamped on the rear board, are noticeably smaller and lighter, and omit the 'First Edition' statement.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *Servant of the Bones* by Anne Rice a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/servant-of-the-bones
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.