Harry Potter book to be auctioned today
A rare early edition of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was today being auctioned in the city where the author wrote it.
Auctioneers said the book, which is one of the first 500 copies originally published in 1997, had an initial estimate value of £400 (€579) but expected it to reach a far higher selling price.
Bonhams Scotland suggested it was fitting that the bestselling story of the schoolboy wizard should be sold in its Edinburgh offices as Rowling wrote much of the tale in a city cafe.
A spokeswoman said: “The book was provided by a woman who bought the book for the granddaughter and they have decided to sell it.
“There were only 500 published originally when it wasn’t clear what run of these books would be needed, which is amazing when we think how many are selling now.”
The hardback book is similar to the later editions published by Bloomsbury but refers to the author as Joanne Rowling rather than JK, as she would subsequently be known.
It is the first time a first edition Harry Potter book has been sold in Scotland and, although the books have only been in circulation some six years, collectors have driven the prices up.
Also being sold is a signed letter from Charles Dickens, which was found inserted in a copy of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, dated to 1839.
Three first editions of Beatrix Potter’s books were also coming under the hammer at the auctioneer’s office in George Street.
