BookGilt - Search results - Author: j-k-rowling; Title: harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone; Signed: true

  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
  • ISBN: 9780747532743
The copy presented here is a first English paperback edition, 27th printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It contains a 1999 variation of J.K. Rowling's signature and was signed to the dedication page in blue ballpoint pen ' To Lily, you will know that I love your name because I used it for Harry's mum!' Lily was the daughter of illustrator, Ian Beck, at the Hay Literary Festival. Ian knew the publicity and editorial team at Bloomsbury who introduced him to J.K. Rowling who was happy to inscribe this book for his daughter. This is a beautiful copy completely unread and with no colour fading and only very minor creasing to the spine. The page edges are surprising white and fresh which is incredibly rare for this book. They are often found with significant toning to the page edges due to the cheap paper stock used. It still has an incredibly tight binding, and hardly any bend or bowing to the front cover which is again very rare. The only minor flaw to the book is a slight nick to the base of the spine in the bottom right corner, otherwise this book is in fine condition. Internally, there are no ownership inscriptions or writing of any kind with no dog eared pages, folds or creases to any of the pages. The only flaw internally is a slight water stain to the bottom of the title page only. The book overall has clearly been very well looked after. The signature and inscription come fully authenticated by Adam Houston 'theharrypotterspecialist' the world's leading expert in authenticating Jo's signature. It comes with a full authentication package including a letter of authenticity and collector card. This book was previously owned by Adam himself having bought it in 2022 directly from the original owner. It comes with provenance in the form of an email and hand written letter by Ian Beck to Adam Houston.
potterrarebooks-5174.46-f94becd6ee32c409bbe8d2f6fd9cdab4
$5,174.46
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Potter Rare Books (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 2007
First deluxe editions, first impressions, of the complete Harry Potter series. Complete in seven volumes bound in cloth with color pictorial onlays, gilt edges, ribbon bookmarks, and gilt stamping. Fine. This series is one of the most sought-after versions of the beloved children's books (after the correct first editions). These books are attractively designed for collectors and had comparatively small print runs in the thousands, rather than millions of copies.
burnsiderarebooks-5974.70-d8e39940f72ffe3ff89136a310a3c9ef
$5,974.70
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Burnside Rare Books (USA)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury, London
  • Date published: 1999
  • Format: Hardcover
First Editions, First Printings in the deluxe binding. The First book is SIGNED by J.K. Rowling on a laid in signature. A spectacular copy of this set. All the books are bound in the publisher's original cloth and appear UNREAD. The bindings are tight with NO cocking or leaning and the boards are crisp. The pages are clean with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the book. A superb copy of all 7 books SIGNED by the author.
magnumopusrarebooks-6000.00-a71e508d2c226a775e6e77b327b6daee
$6,000.00
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Magnum Opus Rare Books (U.S.A.)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1998
  • Format: Hardcover
  • ISBN: 9780747532699
In the run up to the Christmas of 1998, Bloomsbury released The Harry Potter Gift Set. The set was originally released containing a 4th printing copy of Philosopher's Stone and a 7th printing copy of Chamber of Secrets which is the set you see here. The set can also be found containing a 5th printing copy of Philosopher's Stone and a 10th printing copy of Chamber of Secrets. J.K. Rowling signed a small number of copies of the first 4th/7th set to help promote their sale for the holiday season. The set presented here contains signatures signed to their title pages in black ballpoint pen. Both books are housed in a publishers illustrated card slipcase which is priced at £21.99. The slipcase, books and dust jackets are in pristine condition with no fading at all, the pages are bright and clean with no obvious toning to the page edges, no inscriptions or marks or any kind. The books are unread, the boards are square with sharp corners with no foxing of any kind. Both signatures with the books come fully authenticated by Adam Houston theHarryPotterspecialist the world's leading expert in authenticating Jo's signature. The set comes with a full authentication package including a letter of authenticity and collector card. This is an extremely rare set to find signed in this condition.
potterrarebooks-8408.50-7f212e782a09b8dbf876df13d729ce93
$8,408.50
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Potter Rare Books (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Hardcover
Joanne (Kathleen) Rowling, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone‘ (1997), UK first edition, fourth printing, and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' (1998), UK first edition, seventh printing. Both books published by Bloomsbury in the first issued box set. Both volumes are signed by author J.K. Rowling on the respective half-title pages as shown. Chamber of Secrets is in addition inscribed “to Johnny” According to Philip Errington’s ‘J.K. Rowling: A Bibliogarphy’ (2017), the first Philosopher’ printing had a print run of only 500 copies; the second printing followed quickly with a run of 1,000 copies, followed by the third and fourth printing of 500 copies each only (p.4). Provenance: The signatures are consistant with how Rowling used to sign in 1998-99. Rowling did sign a few of those box sets for school children back in those years. The additional dedication by the author makes it easier to verify the signatures and handwriting. Condition: Philosopher is in near fine condition. It bears no previous owner’s scribbles, no stamps, no bookplates, pages are clean. The boards’ front top corner has a tiny bump as shown. The dust jacket is NOT price clipped and a beautiful specimen, unfaded and showing the young wizard as called for. Chamber of Secrets is in fine condition The box is in near fine condition with only trivial shelf wear. This was the first box set that Bloomsbury published for the Harry Potter Saga. As more and more Harry Potters were published until 2007 the publisher – eager to capitalise on Potter-mania – isuued a new box set containing the latest book together with the volumes that had already been published. A nice set at fair value and genuinely signed by Rowling. Due to the extremely high value of signed UK first hardback first printings editions of ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’, the early reprints have also become highly collectable and valuable. First and Fine
firstfine-9508.08-c55961997f1a4efc6c0cc1b8f1f82508
$9,508.08
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First and Fine (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1999
  • Format: Hardcover
Joanne (Kathleen) Rowling (1999) ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone‘, UK first deluxe edition, published by Bloomsbury. Signed on the half-title page by Rowling. Provenance: the book was signed at the Edinburgh Book Festival for an attending child in August 2004. The book is accompanied by a letter of authenticity issued by HP4U in 2010. Research reveals that Rowling indeed attended the 2004 Edinburgh Literature Festival, and that 500 lucky ticket holders were allowed to the event. The deluxe edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published by Bloomsbury on 27 September 1999 in an edition of 4,869 copies [Errington, 2017: 15]. Condition: a well preserved copy in near fine condition for the harshest of judges. No previous owner’s scribbles of any sorts, no bookplates, no stamps. The page block gilding is present. There is light thumb-soiling on the bottom of the title page as shown, and a triffle of rubbing to the spine tips otherwise as good as it gets. A wonderful copy and rare when genuinely signed. Rowling and the Harry Potter series need no introduction, a landmark book. First and Fine
firstfine-9702.12-92ce40ed539e0e429851f29a989e899a
$9,702.12
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First and Fine (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury, London
  • Date published: 1998
  • Format: Hardcover
The Harry Potter Gift set, comprising of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (London: Bloomsbury Publishing 1998). SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. The Philosopher's Stone is a 4th printing with the printing number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4. The Chamber of Secrets is a 7th printing with the printing number line 10 9 8 7. Both books are in an un-read condition. The Philosopher's Stone has a touch of toning to the top edge but is otherwise a fine copy in like dust wrapper. The Chamber of Secrets has a very slightly cocked spine and a touch of toning to the top edge but is otherwise a fine copy in a similar dust wrapper. The books are housed in the publisher's card slip-case. The slip-case is bright and well-preserved and is a fine example. ISBN: 0-7475-4335-6. The slip-case has a SIGNED COPY sticker from BOOKS etc. from where it was originally purchased in 1998. Both books are signed by the author in blue biro to the front free end-paper. The signatures represent early examples of the author's hand as it was in 1998. Surprisingly not in Errington. A lovely pair of signed books in their original slip case.
westhullrarebookspbfa-9702.12-779dfc8d32e3011925cda850ef720b82
$9,702.12
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West Hull Rare Books - P.B.F.A. (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
Joanne (Kathleen) Rowling (1997) ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone‘, UK first paperback edition, second printing, published by Bloomsbury. Signed by Rowling on the half title page. Provenance: acquired from a reliable and reputable British auction house. The consignor had this book signed at a Waterstones event in Canterbury in 1999. The signature is consistant with the author’s signature style at that time. Condition: a very good condition book with usual toning to paper commensurate with age. No previous owner’s scribbles. An unread copy with an unbroken spine. Only flaw is a spine fade as shown as well as slight peeling of the laminate which is also common. First and Fine
firstfine-10995.73-2cbc600f6fb48ea889f424e21665d4bc
$10,995.73
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First and Fine (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloombury, London
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Hardcover
First Edition, later printing. A beautiful copy authentically SIGNED by J.K. Rowling on the dedication page. This ORIGINAL dustjacket is rich in color with minor wear to the edges. The book is bound in the publisher's pictorial boards and is in excellent condition. The binding is tight with NO cocking or leaning and the boards are crisp. The pages are clean with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the book. A lovely copy SIGNED by the author. We buy SIGNED Rowling First Editions.
magnumopusrarebooks-12500.00-267e375b7a5e3fea088de203fe75e7a6
$12,500.00
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Magnum Opus Rare Books (U.S.A.)
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  • Publisher: London: Bloomsbury, 2004-2007
  • Date published: 2007
  • Format: Hardcover
[Children's literature] ALL FIRST BRITISH EDITIONS WITH ADULT COVERS, SIGNED IN FIRST VOLUME. Octavo. Publisher's black cloth, gilt titles to spine, adult artwork dust-jackets designed by William Webb with printed prices of £11.99 - £16.99, portrait of Rowling on back of dust-jacket taken by Michael Wildsmith. Autograph of J.K.Rowling to title page of first book. Fine condition throughout. An exceptionally difficult set to assemble.
adrianharringtonpbfa-16170.20-64dee2c5c9bc4da98e51afa3e5da6bbe
$16,170.20
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Adrian Harrington Ltd, PBFA, ABA, ILAB (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloombury, London
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
First Edition, First Printing with the full number line beginning with 1. This copy is SIGNED by Rowling on a laid in signature. This scarce Bloomsbury paperback edition has the First Issue points "The Wendy Cooling blurb to the front board" the word "wand" appears twice on page 53" the word "Philosopher's is misspelled "Philospher's" to the back cover and the words "Wizardry and Witchcraft" later changed to Witchcraft and Wizardry on later editions. This softcover edition has light wear to the polisher's wrappers with some professional restoration. The pages are have minor wear and discoloration with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the book. A very good copy housed in a custom slipcase with chemise. We buy Rowling First Editions.
magnumopusrarebooks-17500.00-267e375b7a5e3fea088de203fe75e7a6
$17,500.00
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Magnum Opus Rare Books (U.S.A.)
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  • Publisher: BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
First Edition, First Softcover Printing FIRST Bloomsbury edition, FIRST Softcover Printing in exceptional condition. Accompanied by a laid-in note SIGNED AND INSCRIBED by J.K. Rowling. The note is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from a premier authentication house, James Spence, LLC. Not bookclub, Not the Australian edition, Not the Ted Smart edition, Not the Canadian edition, Not ex-library, but the scarce true first edition, first printing near fine Bloomsbury edition with the complete number line of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Wendy Cooling review is present to the base of the front board. The publisher page credits Joanne Rowling and contains no space between “r” and “1″ on Thomas Taylor 1997 in error; 1 Wand is listed twice on page 53, and the mis-print error to the rear panel of the soft wraps is shown as “Philosphers Stone”. Copies of this title unsigned, in similar condition are extremely scarce, with few even available for sale. This copy will be accompanied by a laid-in note Signed and Inscribed by J.K. Rowling, completed in an early signature “To Calvin / Merry Christmas! / J.K. Rowling”. The note with will include a Letter of Authenticity by James Spence, LLC. The stunning condition soft cover has strong unfaded colors with even the spine colors still being vibrant and withOUT any of common color fading to the spine. The binding is tight and square. The wraps are in superb condition with but a few very soft flat creases (along spine, and one to rear), and a very soft flat corner crease to the upper front panel (all of which are quite hard to see). A few very tiny tip/edge rubs (hard to even see in the images) and no laminate issues,(which is unusual as most copies tend to have fully lifted or missing laminate). The interior pages are very clean, unusually bright and flat with only a hint of age toning. The pages have no handling marks, no writing, no marks, no stains and no foxing, no owners names and no inscriptions. A beautiful clean, bright copy with strongly colored outer wraps, EXTREMELY scarce in this condition! Please see images. The J.K. Rowling inscribed and signed note completed in an early signature will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity by James Spence, LLC. The inscription reads: “To Calvin / Merry Christmas /J.K. Rowling” Please note hardcover examples of this book have been escalating in price, with a near fine first printing hardcover recently selling at auction for just shy of $470,000, and poor condition shabby hard covers selling over $28,000. And on the other end of the spectrum – very very poor condition softcovers with excessively worn, ripped, faded, tattered covers with missing laminate and having interior damage now sell for over $8,000. Those familiar with “card” or “comic book” grading would recognize that small increments in condition represent large increments in value/price. ADDITIONAL 14 IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Please see our ABE store for other landmark titles of Children's literature.
meiersonsrarebooks-28995.00-67c3b04de41ee8ae5b24a5a9164e13f0
$28,995.00
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Meier And Sons Rare Books (U.S.A.)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
First editions of the deluxe edition of each book in Rowling's Harry Potter series. Octavo, 7 volumes, illustrated, original decorative cloth as issued. Each volume is signed by J.K. Rowling and were collected in person by the previous owner. The Prisoner of Azkaban is inscribed. In fine condition. No dust jackets were issued for these volumes. Scarce and desirable.
raptisrarebooks-45000.00-3a1f8256fde939d0b1d55c4f9b170988
$45,000.00
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Raptis Rare Books (USA)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury, London
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Hardcover
First Editions, First Printings SIGNED by J.K. Rowling. All the books are FIRST EDITIONS with the ORIGINAL dustjackets except for the Philosopher's Stone that is a later issue. Each book is in excellent condition. The bindings are tight with NO cocking or leaning and the boards are crisp with slight wear. The pages are exceptionally clean. There is NO writing, marks or bookplates in the books. A wonderful set of ALL seven books to complete the Harry Potter Series SIGNED by the author. We buy Harry Potter First Editions.
magnumopusrarebooks-45000.00-a71e508d2c226a775e6e77b327b6daee
$45,000.00
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Magnum Opus Rare Books (U.S.A.)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury, Australian
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Hardcover
J K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first edition, first printing Australian hardback. Signed by J K Rowling. Credits Joanne Rowling on main publisher page etc (not J K Rowling). A superb genuine signed J K Rowling Harry Potter book. Signed and dedicated "To Kirsty, with best wishes, J K Rowling" A superb example of the rarest Harry Potter book in the world with original dustwrapper (the UK equivalent did not have a dustwrapper - making this very special!) Print line reads 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Signed by Joanne Rowling on the main title page. The signed page shows signs of mottling and yellowing having been left open for display, also signs it was removed and replaced. However, no denying this is an incredibly rare signed book. Clean tight binding, aside from reinserted page. Unread with good square corners. Guaranteed genuine J K Rowling signature with certificate of authenticity included.
rareandsigned-45276.55-01fbfb56c500cb2b9d1d358438fa2198
$45,276.55
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rareandsigned (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone TRUE UK 1st Edition 1st Printing signed by Author An exceptionally rare NR fine copy of this hand signed Philosopher's Stone edition, second only in rarity to the hardback version of the same title. The book has been signed directly to the page by Author JK Rowling with a beautiful early example of her signature without inscription or dedication. This is only the second time this book has been advertised in its lifetime and comes from a private collection where it has remained for 15 year + This book is completely un-restored and free of all inscriptions, marks, stains, toning, foxing, yellowing or sun damage, etc, all commonly found with other examples of this book. Further high-resolution images are available upon request. All true first edition points noted and present in this copy. Wendy Cooling quote to front cover. Young Wizard image, missing 'o' in mis-spelled 'Philosopher's and Wizardry and Witchcraft text in the correct order are all present to the rear cover. Full print run numberline 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 and repeated 1 wand text present to p53 of the book. This is without doubt an incredibly rare book and in as near perfect condition as is possible to find. There is a very light crease to the upper right corner of the front cover and a light crease present to the rear cover. All internal pages are very clean and bright with no damage whatsoever. A beautiful and exacting copy of the rarest and most sought after Harry Potter book to add to any collection.
sydneycharlesbooks-54978.67-96e8fefb51cb5d1b8162e6a80f8d4590
$54,978.67
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Sydney Charles Books (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
First editions of the deluxe edition of each book in Rowling's Harry Potter series. Octavo, 7 volumes, illustrated, original decorative cloth as issued. Each volume is signed by J.K. Rowling and were collected in person by the previous owner. The Prisoner of Azkaban is inscribed. In fine condition. No dust jackets were issued for these volumes. Scarce and desirable.
raptisrarebooks-63167.35-3a1f8256fde939d0b1d55c4f9b170988
$63,167.35
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Raptis Rare Books (USA)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Hardcover
Very good copy of one of the rarest books of children's literature. Only 500 copies of the first hardback of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone were published, 300 of which were distributed directly to libraries, and only 200 copies were sold privately. This is one of these extremely rare latter copies, with a signed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone illustrated bookplate loosely inserted. The latter is combined with a letter from J.K. Rowling’s office. Printing number line: 10 - 1; Wendy Cooling quote to the front cover; '1 wand' twice on page 53; 'Philospher's' on the back cover; 'Wizardry and Witchcraft' [rather than 'Witchcraft and Wizardry'] to the back cover. No Dust Jacket as issued. Dedication with the date November 14, 1997, on the title page from parents to their 7-year-old daughter; below that is the name of the original owner in blue felt-tip pen. There are a couple of small dents to the front cover, and there is a small, light circular stain on page 84. For conservation purposes, the pages of the book have been made acid-free by a renowned conservator, from whom a certificate is issued. The lifespan of the book has increased fivefold thanks to this intensive treatment, protecting the pages from decay. In addition, Marchelma van Breugel, the worlds leading expert on modern paper conservation and restoration, did some minor restoration work to the covers of the book. The book is housed in a contemporary storage box with an inlaid image, lined with moleskin inside. The signed bookplate is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LoA) from Adam Houston (TheHarryPotterSpecialist), the world's sole J.K. Rowling signature expert and an informative collector's card that provides additional details. ON REQUEST, A PDF FILE WITH AN EXTENSIVE PRESENTATION OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE. A HARDCOVER COPY OF THIS PRESENTATION IS INCLUDED IN THE SALE.
wintersrarebooks-86498.57-635897cbb4fe6df5fcf3140bafb74fb2
$86,498.57
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Winters Rare Books (Netherlands)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury
  • Date published: 1997
  • Format: Softcover
Joanne Kathleen Rowling (1997-99) ‘The Harry Potter uncorrected proof collection‘, published by Bloomsbury in the UK. All four proofs come with a Bloomsbury bookplate signed by Rowling loosely inserted in each book. Beautifully housed in full leather solander boxes as well as a buckram ‘treasure chest’ which holds all four books in place for easy and displayable storage. The set consists of: ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone‘ (1997), UK uncorrected proof, published by Bloomsbury. One of only 200 proof copies printed ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets‘, (1998), UK uncorrected proof, published by Bloomsbury. One of 300 proof copies printed ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban‘ (1999) first state of the uncorrected proof, published by Bloomsbury. One of only 50 copies printed in purple wraps ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban‘ (1999) second state uncorrected proof, published by Bloomsbury. One of 250 copies printed Condition: the proofs are in very good to near fine condition with minor creases, rubbing and soiling to the wraps as expected from paperback proofs. Internally clean. All books are housed in full leather solander boxes with five raised bands, author’s name, title and ‘uncorrected proof’ stamped in gild to the spine. The front panels also bear the ‘HP’ acronym familiar from the film franchise – a lovely touch. An amazing collection and unique chance to obtain the only four uncorrected proofs produced in the entire Harry Potter series. When Rowling published the fourth instalment Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) no proofs were issued as the publisher feared that the text could be leaked. This policy was kept for the remaining books as well and without any spoiler leaks kids and adults were queuing up bookstores at midnight of the respective publication dates in order to obtain a copy and start reading the continuation of the Potter saga. The uncorrected proofs contain a number of errors which were later corrected such as a J.A. instead of J.K. Rowling on the copyright page of the Philosopher’s Stone copy. Nowadays J.K. Rowling is such a household name that nobody in the world would make such an error but back in 1997 Rowling was an unknown persona. The bibliographic data was obtained from Philip Errington (2017) J.K. Rowling: A Bibliography First and Fine
firstfine-174638.13-2eb93ca93490d14a7ebedd584f23dd86
$174,638.13
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First and Fine (United Kingdom)
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  • Publisher: Bloomsbury, London
  • Date published: 1997
EARLIEST KNOWN COPY OF HARRY POTTER; NO OTHER COPIES LOCATED. On February 26, 1997, this remarkable complete set of galley sheets was sent to the distinguished children's author and literary critic Fiona Waters. In the cover letter accompanying the galley (included here), Rosamund Walker, Children's Marketing Manager of Bloomsbury Publishing wrote, "Further to our conversation, I have enclosed a manuscript for your interest as promised. Once you've had a chance to have a look, I would really appreciate it if you could let me know your comments for pre-publication quotes." The "manuscript," already rejected by twelve other publishers, was Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Waters read these advance galley sheets during a long train journey to Scotland and was immediately captivated by the tale of a young wizard named Harry Potter. While it was Ms. Waters' usual practice to discard galleys after reading them, she retained this one because she believed Harry Potter was a truly special and distinctive book. She wrote back to Bloomsbury Publishing with effusive praise, making a special point of noting that "There is something about Harry Potter that reminds me of Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." In replying to Waters' letter, Rosamund Walker wrote that "I'm sure the author will be most flattered with the allusion to Charlie Bucket" - and indeed she was: for the statement was featured prominently on the back cover of the first edition. Historically significant, this is the only known set of advance galley sheets to have survived. It precedes the early June publication of some 200 bound proof copies as well as the first edition that famously appeared on June 26. Intended as they were for prominent reviewers, only a handful of such galleys were produced. Our copy belonged to a lead reviewer whose endorsement undoubtedly helped make the book the spectacular success it became. As Ms. Waters (who signed this galley on the first page) tells it, in recalling her first meeting with J. K. Rowling: "It was very shortly after the first book was published and I was invited to a party by Bloomsbury to celebrate it all. And when I was introduced to her [J. K. Rowling], she flung her arms around me and said, Oh, you are the lovely lady who gave me that wonderful review!" Note: By the late 1990s -well into the digital age of printing - publishers generally did not issue traditional galleys printed from a printing press, but rather printed a set of sheets from a file and copied them for distribution to a limited set of reviewers. This is such a copy; any earlier printed appearance has not been discovered and is almost certainly lost to history. ROWLING, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury, February 25, 1997. Galley sheets: 224 numbered pages on 109 sheets [the complete text]. Each sheet with text in landscape format, two pages per sheet (rectos only), time-stamped: 2/25/97 11:59am to 2/25/97 12:16pm. Signed at top in ink by Fiona Waters. WITH: Original signed letter dated 26th February, 1997 from Rosamund Walker introducing the book to Waters; and original signed letter from Walker dated 1 April 1997 thanking Waters for her praise of the book. With Fiona Waters' copy of her letter to Rosamund Walker comparing Harry Potter to Charlie Bucket. Only minor blemishes, generally fine condition. Housed together in a custom box. The earliest known copy of Harry Potter ever offered for sale.†References: Fiona Waters quote from conversation by phone with Manhattan Rare Books, March 24, 2023. Errington, Philip W., J.K. Rowling: A Bibliography, rev. ed. (London: Bloomsbury, 2017). Unbound sheets, housed in custom box
manhattanrarebookcompanya-275000.00-c70e5e581945d426a4284ad9f14e6402
$275,000.00
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Manhattan Rare Book Company, ABAA, ILAB (U.S.A.)
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