Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
$17,068 · Offered by Biblio
First edition
London: Bloomsbury,, 1997. An association copy First edition, first impression, paperback issue, of the first Harry Potter book. This copy includes the ownership signature of Thomas New to inside of front wrapper. He wrote one of the six fan letters reproduced in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (see Errington, p. 66). Both paperback and hardback issues of the first impression were published on 26 June 1997. Thomas New, signing himself aged ten, noted that "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the best book I have ever read". Rowling responded to the fan letter on 11 April 1998 and later inscribed a copy of Chamber of Secrets to Thomas, including an apology about "You-Know-Who having your name". That copy and letter sold at auction in December 2002. This is one of 5,150 copies in wrappers, with all the points distinguishing the first impression: Bloomsbury imprint, 10-down-to-1 number line, the list of equipment on p. 53 with "1 wand" appearing twice in the list, and the misprint "Philospher's" on the back cover. Octavo. Original illustrated wrappers, spine and front wrapper lettered in white, yellow, dark green and black. Housed in a red quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. Extremities a little rubbed, minor creases to front wrapper and spine, leaves a little toned as usual: a very good copy. Errington A1(aa); Grolier Children's 100, 100.
- Year: 1997
- Edition: First Edition
- Printing: first
- Binding: paperback
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