Sworders Books & Maps Department are excited to offer a rare paperback edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The first edition, first impression printing of JK Rowling’s debut novel is expected to bring £2,000-3,000 as part of our 19-28 April timed online Books & Maps auction.
11 April 2024
VIEW AUCTION REQUEST A VALUATION CONTACT A SPECIALIST
The story of J K Rowling writing her first Harry Potter book in Edinburgh coffee shops after her teaching contract expired is well-known. Rejected by more than a dozen publishers, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was finally published by Bloomsbury in June 1997; 500 hardback copies were produced, of which some 300 were sent to schools and libraries. In addition, 5,150 paperback copies were released simultaneously. They both used the same sheets so 5,650 sheets made up the two versions.
J K Rowling Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone First Edition, First Impression. (£2,000-3,000)
It is relatively common for original impressions to contain a number of idiosyncratic characteristics and the first Harry Potter book is no different; it called J K Rowling by her first name, Joanne and on page 53 the list of Other Equipment duplicates 1 wand in the list of requirements to enter Hogwarts. In addition, on the back cover the title is misspelled Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone and they also contain several other quirks on the imprint page including an incorrect number sequence number and no gap between Taylor and 1997. The binding was used for the first two impressions.
The magic of Harry Potter continues to cast a spell over today’s new readers as much as it does for the original devotees and with an estimate of £2,000-3,000 we expect to conjure up considerable interest for this first edition which features in our timed Books and Maps sale, running from 19 to 28 April.
rarebooks@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Sworders proudly supports The Art of the Poster, a selling exhibition at The Curwen Print Study Centre featuring original lithographic posters by leading modern artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Chagall. Each purchase helps fund the Centre’s vital work in printmaking education and preservation.
8 October 2025
On 25 September our London Gallery was proud to host a preview event for our autumn Modern & Contemporary Art auction, in partnership with The Fry Art Gallery. Acclaimed illustrator, painter, and printmaker Chloë Cheese provided a captivating talk that celebrated the achievements of women artists and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
6 October 2025
As we approach our first edition of The Glass Sale, taking place later this month, let us guide you through the history and defining features of 18th century glass.
3 October 2025