“The Philosopher’s Stone”
First edition of “Harry Potter” book auctioned in London – for several thousand euros
This flawless, English first edition of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter volume “The Philosopher’s Stone” fetched a sum of 7,500 pounds (8,770 euros) at auction
© Jacob King / PA Wire / / DPA
A first edition of the “Harry Potter” novel “The Philosopher’s Stone” was auctioned in England. The book was worth several thousand euros to the lucky buyer.
A copy of a first edition of the fantasy novel ““Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was auctioned in England for thousands of pounds. The hammer fell after a few minutes on Monday for a sum of 7,500 pounds (8,770 euros), as the newspaper “Isle of Wight County Press” reported.
Harry Potter: first edition auctioned in England
Including fees, the price is 9,840 pounds, as the auction house Hansons Auctioneers announced upon request. Because the provider is a charity, the company waived its share.
The well-preserved book from 1997 was anonymously donated to an animal welfare organization on the Isle of Wight in southern England. First editions of Potter books had previously fetched large sums at auction. The money will also go to one of the wizard’s namesakes: dog Harry is one of many animals the foundation looks after.
Beginning of the phenomenon
“This book represents the beginning of the Harry Potter phenomenon,” said Hansons expert Jim Spencer, according to a statement from the auction house. “No one had foreseen the huge popularity of Harry Potter, so these books were printed on cheap paper.”
Since it is also a children’s book, many copies were often read, painted and stuffed into full school bags. It is therefore extremely rare to find such a well-preserved edition, said Spencer.