Rare Harry Potter First Edition to be Auctioned by Heritage!

Limited Printing of Only 300 Makes This a True Collector's Item

Dallas, TX: One of the most successful publishing franchises in history, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series had rather humble beginnings. First issued in a very limited printing of a mere 300 copies in hardcover, almost all of which went to schools and libraries, this modest volume would lead to one of the most popular book and film series in the modern world.

Since the 1997 release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (the book was retitled Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone when it was released in the US), the series has proven to be one of the most popular in history. It's reported that as of April 2007, the series had sold more than 325 million copies and had been translated into more than 60 different languages. The first five books have been made into blockbuster films, with the sixth set to begin filming later this year.

"Clearly, Harry Potter is a publishing phenomenon," said James Gannon, Director of Rare Books for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "Joanne Rowling first came up with the idea for Harry and his magical world in 1990. Five years later, she was ready to submit the manuscript to publishers, several of whom turned her down. Eventually, Bloomsbury, a London publisher, picked it up, and gave Rowling a £3,000 advance, releasing the book in a very limited printing in July 1997. The rest, as they say, is history."

"The copy we're offering in our upcoming auction is part of that initial printing," Gannon said. "The book was originally produced with pictorial laminated boards and without a dust jacket of any kind, as would be most appropriate for a book aimed at schools and libraries. This is an ex-library copy, with a few minor defects that one would expect to find in a book of this type, but is an overall handsome and attractive volume that presents quite nicely. Few modern first editions are as rare or as desirable as this, the book that launched a publishing empire."

"I'd invite Harry Potter fans around the world, and those with a passion for the most sought-after books, to visit our website at www.HA.com, where they'll be able to view full-color, enlargeable images of each and every lot in our upcoming auctions, along with our complete and informative catalog descriptions. They can even place their bids online, from the comfort and convenience of their home or office. This is a rare opportunity for the true Harry Potter fan, and one that no one will want to miss."

The Rare True First Edition of the First Harry Potter Book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will be offered in Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Rare Books & Manuscripts auction, to be held on October 25 & 26, 2007 in Dallas, TX.

J.K. Rowling: The Rare True First Edition of the First Harry Potter Book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. ([London]: Bloomsbury, [1997]). First edition. Octavo (7.75" x 5"). 223 pages:
ESTIMATE: $15,000 - $20,000

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of rare books are invited to visit www.HA.com/Sell. Or simply email James Gannon at JamesG@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Client Services at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 150, or visit www.HA.com/Catalog to order by email.