How to Identify a Knopf Books for Young Readers (Knopf BFYR) First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Knopf house convention applies: stated 'First Edition' on copyright page, historically with the Borzoi colophon
• KEY Knopf quirk inherited by the children's arm: on a true first the number line and the words must AGREE — Knopf's rule is the printing line; a stated 'First Edition' with a number line not ending in 1 is a later printing
• Modern Knopf BFYR (Random House Children's): full number line ending in 1, plus 'First Edition'

Notable points & cautions

• Borzoi (running-dog) device is the Knopf signature; appears in children's titles too
• Now part of Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House)
• Roald Dahl US editions, Judith Viorst (Alexander...), and many picture books carry the Knopf imprint

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Alfred A. Knopf BFYR, Crown Books for Young Readers, Dragonfly Books (paperback), Anne Schwartz Books (now under Random House). Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Knopf Books for Young Readers (Knopf BFYR) book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Knopf house convention applies: stated 'First Edition' on copyright page, historically with the Borzoi colophon KEY Knopf quirk inherited by the children's arm: on a true first the number line and the words must AGREE — Knopf's rule is the printing line; a stated 'First Edition' with a number line not ending in 1 is a later printing

Does Knopf Books for Young Readers (Knopf BFYR) use a number line?

KEY Knopf quirk inherited by the children's arm: on a true first the number line and the words must AGREE — Knopf's rule is the printing line; a stated 'First Edition' with a number line not ending in 1 is a later printing

Is a book-club edition a Knopf Books for Young Readers (Knopf BFYR) first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Borzoi (running-dog) device is the Knopf signature; appears in children's titles too

What era does this cover?

This covers Knopf Books for Young Readers (Knopf BFYR) (1915–present (children's line mid-20th c. onward)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.