Rare proof copy of first Harry Potter book being auctioned for up to $25,000
Asher Notheis
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A rare version of the first Harry Potter book will be sold at an auction on Tuesday, with the price set for up to $25,000.
The proof copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, of which there are only 200 copies, will be auctioned by Hansons Auctioneers, with St. Kenelm’s Primary School in the United Kingdom planning to use the money to help children support and read literature. The school, which is located near Oxford, had initially believed that this version of the book was lost in 2015 but found it earlier this year in the spring.
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“It was not thought to have any value,” said Bob Alder, the school’s retired head teacher. “However, it was known from press coverage that the story was something special, and to read extracts to the children would encourage them to own their own copy.”
The school had initially bought the book for only £1, a little more than $1, in 1997, when the book was originally published. Jim Spencer, the head of books at Hansons, described the discovery of it as “extra special.”
“Since 2017, Hansons has sourced and sold 16 super rare hardback first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which were published in the very first 500-book print run,” said Spencer.
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J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, has been the subject of criticism in recent years for her view on transgender women. In 2020, the author mocked an article that used the gender-inclusive language of “people who menstruate,” leading to backlash against her from transgender rights activists.
Earlier this year, Rowling condemned cancel culture and described it as “the language of a dictator.” She also expressed her gratitude to Harry Potter fans who have supported the author amid the pushback on social media.