A remarkable discovery at St Kenelm’s Primary School in Minster Lovell, Witney, Oxfordshire, led to the unearthing of a literary treasure: an uncorrected proof of JK Rowling’s inaugural Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Purchased for a mere 40p in 1997, this proof, one of only 200 printed by Bloomsbury prior to the series’ meteoric rise to fame, recently found its way to auction at Hansons Auctioneers.
Despite its humble beginnings, the proof’s significance was not lost on bidders. During the auction on September 5, the spirited bidding culminated in a hammer price of £11,000, ultimately fetching a total of £14,432, inclusive of a sales premium, from a private UK buyer. The copy’s inside title page contained a noteworthy error, as it mistakenly credited the author as “JA Rowling” instead of JK Rowling, adding an intriguing element to its provenance.
Jim Spencer, head of books at Hansons Auctioneers, emphasized the seminal role of this proof in igniting the global phenomenon of Harry Potter. Reflecting on its historical significance, Spencer remarked that this edition marked the genesis of Rowling’s wizarding world, underscoring its profound importance to literary history.
Former head teacher Bob Alder, who stumbled upon the copy, recounted its origins, noting that publishers distributed the proof during a bookshop sale to offer readers an early glimpse into Rowling’s enchanting universe. Alder further explained that the decision to auction the book was motivated by a desire to enhance the school’s educational resources, particularly in fostering students’ passion for literature through updated equipment.
The sale of this iconic proof serves as a testament to the enduring allure of Rowling’s magical realm and underscores the profound impact of her literary legacy.
The remarkable tale of a humble Harry Potter book, purchased for a mere 30p, captivated the literary world when it fetched an astonishing £10,500 at auction in July 2023. Originally acquired from a Wolverhampton library, the copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was withdrawn from circulation, only to reveal its extraordinary rarity as one of just 500 first editions published by Bloomsbury in 1997. Among this limited release, a mere 300 copies were distributed to libraries across the United Kingdom, adding to its scarcity and allure.
The enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise is undeniable, with estimates suggesting a staggering $25 billion (£19.7 billion) in total earnings. This astronomical figure speaks to the enduring appeal of J.K. Rowling’s enchanting world of magic and adventure, captivating readers of all ages around the globe.
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