Books, Manuscripts & Music, from Medieval to Modern

J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury, 1997 FIRST EDITION ("10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on publisher's imprint page), HARDBACK ISSUE, 8vo (197 x 125 mm.), original laminated pictorial boards by Thomas Taylor, wear to boards, reinforcement of spine with transparent sticky-back plastic, lacking front free endpaper This legendary rarity was issued in an edition of 500 copies hardback and 5150 copies of the paperback, with no priority for either issue. Approximately 300 of the hardback copies were sent immediately to libraries, including the present copy. The seventh line of the publisher's imprint page carries no space between "Taylor" and "1997"; p. 53 has in "Other Equipment" listed twice "1 wand"; the lower cover has misspelt "Philospher's". This was the illustrator Thomas Taylor's first professional commission and his impression of the sorcerer on the lower cover was a personal generic representation. "I was asked to provide a "wizard to decorate the back cover". So I did. The books are full of magical characters and sorcerers, so it wasn't difficult to conjure up one of my own. It never even crossed my mind to depict Dumbledore". The publishers were inundated with queries over this depiction and it was later replaced by a specific portrayal by Taylor of Dumbledore, probably for the 18th impression. PROVENANCE: West Sussex County Library: ink stamp and "withdrawn" stamps LITERATURE: Errington, Rowling A1(a)

View 1 of Lot 74: J.K. Rowling | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 1997, first edition, hardback issue, ex-library copy

j.k. rowling | harry potter and the philosopher's stone, 1997, first edition, hardback issue, ex-library copy

Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana. Part 2

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. London: Bloomsbury, 1997 8vo. “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on publisher’s imprint page, “1 wand” repeated on p. 53; leaves toned, as usual, preliminaries lightly foxed, final third rippled. Original publisher’s pictorial paper wrappers by Thomas Taylor, lower cover has misspelt “Philospher’s”; wrappers lightly creased, spine sunned, extremities rubbed. First edition of the spellbinding novel that introduced The Boy Who Lived—one of 5,150 paperback copies. On 26 June 1997, alongside 500 hardback first editions of the then-unknown Philosopher’s Stone, Bloomsbury ordered a simultaneous first issue of 5,150 paperback copies, of which the present lot is one. Soon after, lightning struck, and the charming novel soared to worldwide popularity. The initial installment in the Harry Potter series has since sold over 120 million copies, making it one of the best selling books of all time. Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s adventures at Hogwarts bewitched audiences upon the novel’s first release 29 years ago, and the wizarding world’s popularity has certainly continued to grow to this day, with a new adaptation slated for release later this year. The present copy was gifted to a young boy, near Harry's age, in the year of publication. REFERENCES Errington, Rowling A1(aa) PROVENANCE Gift inscription in pencil to upper pastedown

View 1 of Lot 423: Rowling, J.K. | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, first edition, paperback

rowling, j.k. | harry potter and the philosopher's stone, first edition, paperback

J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury, 1997. 8vo, FIRST EDITION, paperback issue ("10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on publisher's imprint page), original pictorial paper wrappers after Thomas Taylor, leaves slightly toned (as usual), pencil mark to upper cover, crease at corner of upper cover, long vertical crease to spine, small stain to top edge, minor wear to extremities This paperback issue of 5,150 copies was released simultaneously with the 500 hardback copies, both of which are confirmed by Bloomsbury to have been published on 26 June 1997. This copy is in good overall condition. LITERATURE: Errington, Rowling A1(aa)

View 1 of Lot 75:  J.K. Rowling | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 1997, first edition, paperback issue

j.k. rowling | harry potter and the philosopher's stone, 1997, first edition, paperback issue

The English Proof of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Harry%20Potter&amp;tab=objects&amp;sortBy=bsp_dotcom_prod_en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> and the Prisoner of Azkaban in green wrappers, printed by Bloomsbury on wove paper in 1999.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury,</li><li>In green wrappers.</li></ul> There were two issues of a proof for the third Harry Potter book. The state here, in green wrappers, is closer to the published version. Errington notes “an unconfirmed print-run of 250 copies is generally accepted. Bloomsbury, however, provides a figure of 150 copies” (pp. 470-1).

Proof of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

A <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book?locale=en&amp;Book%20Type=Signed%2520and%2520Inscribed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">signed</a> by <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=J.K.+Rowling&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">J.K. Rowling</a>.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – First UK Edition 2000 – SIGNED by Rowling</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 2000.</li><li>Signed without dedication by the Rowling to the dedication page.</li><li>In the unclipped wrapper.</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire First Edition Signed by Rowling

A complete set of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printings of the <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Harry%20Potter&amp;tab=objects&amp;sortBy=bsp_dotcom_prod_en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> series.<ul><li>Sold as a set of 7 volumes.</li><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1997-2007.</li><li>Octavos.</li><li>Softcover.</li><li>Pictorial card wrappers.</li></ul> A complete set of first edition, first printing paperback novels, variously dated, including the true 1997 first edition, first issue of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with all relevant issue points. The paperback First of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was printed on the very same day as the hardcover First Edition (of which only 500 copies were printed) and neither has bibliographical priority. The Harry Potter series has had a profound cultural impact, shaping a generation’s imagination and fostering a global fan community. It popularized the fantasy genre, leading to a surge in young adult literature. The books’ themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against prejudice resonated widely, influencing social discussions. The series also spawned a massive franchise, including films, merchandise, theme parks, and fan events, contributing to popular culture. Harry Potter’s world became a cultural touchstone, inspiring fan fiction, academic studies, and even influencing educational initiatives, making it a lasting symbol of modern literature and entertainment.

First Editions of the Harry Potter Series

A <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which has been <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book?locale=en&amp;Book%20Type=Signed%2520and%2520Inscribed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">signed</a> by <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=J.K.+Rowling&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">J.K. Rowling</a> and actor <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Daniel+Radcliffe&amp;pfilters.dateRange=past" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daniel Radcliffe</a>, who portrayed the boy wizard in the Harry Potter films.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 2000.</li><li>Octavo.</li><li>Signed by both J.K. Rowling (without dedication) and actor, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the eight motion pictures.&nbsp;</li><li>Accompanied by a typed Letter with a facsimile signature from the author to a fan thanking them for enjoying the book (having been signed) loosely inserted.</li><li>In the original dust wrapper.</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | First Edition Signed by the Author and Daniel Radcliffe

<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Harry%20Potter&amp;tab=objects&amp;sortBy=bsp_dotcom_prod_en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> Series, Complete Deluxe <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book?Book%20Subject=Sets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Set</a>, with supplementary works.&nbsp;<ul><li>Sold as a set of 10 volumes.</li><li>J.K Rowling (English).</li><li>The Philosopher’s Stone; The Chamber of Secrets; The Prisoner of Azkaban; The Goblet of Fire; The Order of The Phoenix; The Half-Blood Prince; The Deathly Hallows; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; Quidditch Through the Ages; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1999-2008.</li><li>Octavo.</li><li>First impressions thus, with the three supplemental works.</li><li>Original uniform harlequin cloth (7 volumes), with gilt decoration, illustrations to upper covers, and all edges gilt (some in shrink-wrap).</li><li>Additional volumes (3 volumes) in publisher’s illustrated covers.</li></ul> The deluxe issue is a larger format, in decorative cloth binding. Harry Potter's award-winning wizarding adventures have had an unrivalled impact in popular culture today; indeed, some experts have referred to adults between the ages of roughly 20-30 years old as 'the Harry Potter generation', who are seen to hold markedly different values to their parents. Harry Potter is a series of many genres, including fantasy, bildungsroman, and the British school story (which includes elements of mystery, thriller, adventure, and romance). According to Rowling, the main theme of the books is death – although prejudice, corruption, and madness can be seen as dominant motifs.

Harry Potter Series

A Bloomsbury Deluxe United Kingdom edition of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Harry+Potter+and+the+Philosopher%27s+Stone&amp;pfilters.dateRange=past" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</a>, accompanied by a <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book?locale=en&amp;Book%20Type=Signed%2520and%2520Inscribed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">signed</a> photograph of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=J.K.+Rowling&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">J.K. Rowling</a>.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (British).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1999.</li><li>A signed photograph of the author loosely inserted.</li><li>Hardcover, publisher's red cloth.</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | Bloomsbury Deluxe Edition with Signed Photograph of J.K. Rowling

A <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=J.K.+Rowling&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">J.K. Rowling</a>.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1999.</li><li>Octavo.</li><li>The&nbsp;first&nbsp;issue&nbsp;with 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1,&nbsp;and&nbsp;with Joanne Rowling&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;copyright page,&nbsp;the&nbsp;incorrectly dropped text block on page 7,&nbsp;and&nbsp;no advertisements at&nbsp;the&nbsp;end.</li><li>Publisher's pictorial boards with illustration by Cliff Wright; publisher's pictorial dust-jacket, correctly priced at £10.99, now housed in a solander box.</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | First Issue

A <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printing of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=harry%20potter&amp;tab=objects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> and the Prisoner of Azkaban.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1999.</li><li>One of fourteen working copies, with Clays LTD., ink stamp dated 05 May 1999 (two months before the original date on 8th July 1999) to the rear pastedown, and the Clays LTD. adhesive ‘Standard EDTN’ sticker.</li><li>This copy correctly reads ‘Joanne Rowling’ on the copyright page, complete with the one to ten number line.</li><li>The dust wrapper, illustrated by Cliff Wright, has not been clipped showing the correct £10.99 price.</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

A <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book/first-edition?locale=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first edition</a>, first printing of <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=Harry+Potter&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> and the Chamber of Secrets, <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/books-&amp;-manuscripts/book?locale=en&amp;Book%20Type=Signed%2520and%2520Inscribed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">signed</a> by <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/search?query=J.K.+Rowling&amp;pfilters.dateRange=upcoming" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">J.K. Rowling</a>.<ul><li>J.K. Rowling (English).</li><li>London: Bloomsbury, 1998.</li><li>Signed without dedication to&nbsp;the&nbsp;dedication page by Rowling.</li><li>In&nbsp;the&nbsp;correct&nbsp;first&nbsp;issue&nbsp;dust wrapper with&nbsp;all points: "front flap&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;dust jacket: Paragraph 5, lines 1&nbsp;and&nbsp;2: "Harry&nbsp;Potter&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Philosopher's Stone" is not italicized; Paragraph 5, line 7: "Tom El-Shawk Age 11" has no comma after&nbsp;the&nbsp;name&nbsp;and&nbsp;age has a capital "A"; Paragraph 6, line 1: "Harry&nbsp;Potter" is not italicized; Paragraph 6, line 5: "Harry&nbsp;is not italicized; Paragraph 6, line 7: "Katrina Farrant Age 10" has no comma after&nbsp;the&nbsp;name&nbsp;and&nbsp;age has a capital "A".</li></ul>

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | Signed First Edition

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