Rowling, J.K.

8vo, uncorrected proof copy, original purple printed wrappers, minor short tear to half-title, slight soiling to fore-edge

Errington, Rowling AA4(a)

Prior to publication of the third Harry Potter novel the publisher issued two uncorrected proof printings. The first, in purple wrappers, contained text IN AN EARLIER STATE than the second proof, in green wrappers. An unconfirmed print-run of 50 copies is generally accepted for this proof (although the publishers suggest 150 copies). As noted in the bibliography, "this would suggest that the proof was released to a very select readership, with the publisher expecting to issue the text in a later state to a greater number of readers".