J.K. Rowling | Set of four "adult" paperback editions, Bloomsbury, 1998-2001

J.K. Rowling

Set of four "adult" paperback editions. London: Bloomsbury, 1998-2001, comprising:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Bloomsbury, 1998, first English adult edition (“10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on imprint page), minor creases to lower right corner of upper wrapper and lower right corner of lower wrapper;

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Bloomsbury, 1999, first English adult edition (“10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on imprint page);

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Bloomsbury, 2000, first English adult edition (“10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on imprint page);

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Bloomsbury, 2001, first English adult edition (“10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on imprint page), minor creases to lower right corner of lower wrapper, creases to spine;

all 8vo, original printed wrappers

With reference to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the bibliography notes that “the inspiration for the adult editions came from a member of staff at Bloomsbury. Apparently the staff member saw a commuter reading Harry Potter on the train whilst holding a copy of The Economist to block the book from the view of other passengers”. These adult editions “created a great surge in the readership”.

LITERATURE:

Errington, Rowling A1(f), A2(d), A7(ee), A9(d)