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J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide, and first editions of her books have very quickly become collectable. By far the most valuable book in the series is the first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, published on 30 June 1997 by Bloomsbury in London. But to have any real collectable value, it has to be a copy of the first edition, first impression (also known as the first printing). This means the very first batch of books off the press, of which there were only a few thousand. Reprints of Philosopher’s Stone (and even first editions of the later books in the series) have much lower values, in part because so many more of them were printed.
Harry Potter first edition, softcover issue
First, what do the books look like? The first printing was bound in two different ways. The rarest is the hardback issue, with a cover of laminated boards. Only 500 copies were bound this way, and 300 of those were sent to libraries. Because library books receive so much wear and tear we are left with only 200 copies in potentially fine collectable condition, and these rarely appear on the market. The other binding was a regular paperback of which a few thousand copies were produced for sale.
Next , how do you tell whether your copy, which may look very similar to the one pictured above, is really a valuable first edition? To be a first edition, in either hard or soft cover, there are four very important issue points, all of which your book must have:
1. The publisher must be listed as Bloomsbury at the bottom of the title page. See photo below:
First edition title page
2. The latest date listed in the copyright information must be 1997.
3. The print line on the copyright page must read “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”, ten down to one, exactly. The lowest figure in the print line indicates the printing. (For instance, if your copy has “20 19 18 17”, it’s a less valuable seventeenth printing.)
First edition number line
You may have been told that you have a first printing if the copyright is in the name of “Joanne Rowling”, but that’s not true. All early printings of this title have the same copyright statement.
This is what the whole back of the title page should look like:
Back of title page in the first edition of Harry Potter.
4. On page 53, in the list of school supplies that Harry receives from Hogwarts, the item “1 wand” must appear twice, once at the beginning and once at the end. This mistake was corrected in the second printing of the book (although it re-appeared in some later printings).
Mistake on page 53
If your book meets all these requirements then congratulations, you have a first edition! Depending on the binding and condition, it could be worth anywhere from many hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. If you’re interested in selling it, or would like to have a custom protective box made to house it, then please contact us. To see the Harry Potter books we currently have for sale please click here.
Though both the paperback and hardback first editions of the Philosopher’s Stone are of value, this is not the case with the other books in the series. For the other titles, it is only the first hardback edition with the dust jacket that have collectable value. If you have a copy of one of these titles that meets all these requirements below, and that you would like to sell, please contact us.
Chamber of Secrets must have been published in 1998 by Bloomsbury with no mention of subsequent edition, publisher, or later date on the copyright page, and have a printing number sequence of “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”.
Chamber of Secrets first edition copyright page
Prisoner of Azkaban must have been published in 1999 by Bloomsbury with no mention of subsequent edition, publisher, or later date on the copyright page, and have a printing number sequence of “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”. The most valuable copies are the first issue, which must have “Joanne Rowling” as the author instead of “J. K. Rowling” on the copyright page, and a dropped line of text on page 7.
The last four titles in the series, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows, must have the words “First Edition” printed on the copyright page. The print run for the first edition of all of the last four titles was very large, and as a result, even first edition copies in the dust jackets in fine condition are fairly commonly found, and not presently of high value. We are currently interested in acquiring copies of the Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince.
Goblet of Fire copyright page
Biblio
November 19, 2010 at 3:43 pmGreetings! This is a wonderfully concise and clear article on how to identify the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone…a query we receive often from people on the forums of Biblio.
We’ve linked to this article on Bibliology, the blog for Biblio.com. I hope you enjoy!
http://www.biblio.com/2010/11/the-cataloguers-desk-is-my-harry-potter-book-valuable/
Tweets that mention Is my Harry Potter book valuable? — The Cataloguer's Desk -- Topsy.com
November 19, 2010 at 4:17 pm[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Perry Willett, Peter Harrington. Peter Harrington said: Is your Harry Potter book valuable? Our guide to identifying a first edition, first printing of Philosopher's Stone: http://bit.ly/bmJxQ9 […]
gwenda spargo
December 1, 2010 at 9:23 pmWhat a shame , my book satisfies all the pointers except the 2nd 1 wand. Ah well! Thank you for defining the requirements.
Clare Ryzy
April 13, 2013 at 2:38 pmhi all does the above statment stand for all of the bloomsberrys harrypotters first editions many thanks clare
Laura Massey
April 15, 2013 at 8:45 amHi Clare,
Yes, in order to have a first edition of any of the Harry Potter books they must be published by Bloomsbury in the year of original release and have a number line counting down to one. But generally only the first three in the series have much collectible value, as so many copies were printed of the later books.
Clare Ryzy
May 30, 2013 at 2:08 pmThe Half Blood Prince.dated 2005 states first edtion no numbers…(hardback)
order of the phoenix. dated 2003 states first edtion no numbers..(hardback)
golblet of fire .dated 2000 states first edtion no numbers…(hardback)
golblet of fire .dated 2000 states 10987654321(paper back)
Chamber of Secrets .dated 1998 number 30 ….
would anyone be intrested in buying these from me please contact me thanks you kind regards clare:)
Jayrose
May 12, 2013 at 5:55 pmDoes any one know about the misprinted harry potter book that was bound wrongly so all the chapters where in the wrong order?
Laura Massey
May 13, 2013 at 9:50 amHi Janine,
Unfortunately, pages being misbound in a book happens sometimes, but doesn’t necessarily make the book valuable. Unlike with coins, book collectors are not interested in abnormalities, and errors only mean that a book is valuable if they indicate it is a first edition. See our post on typos for more information about this: http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/do-misprints-or-typos-make-a-book-valuable/
Laura Massey
May 24, 2013 at 5:22 pmThanks for your question. Unfortunately, sometimes errors like this occur when books are bound up, but these usually do not make the book valuable. Unlike with coins, book collectors are not interested in errors unless they indicate that a book is a first edition. You can read more about why these types of errors don’t make a book valuable on another of our blog posts: http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/do-misprints-or-typos-make-a-book-valuable/
george
May 13, 2013 at 3:21 pmHello I have a copy of the second book that i believe to be first edition. It has a smarties book prize stamp on the front. Will that affect it?
Laura Massey
May 13, 2013 at 3:56 pmHi George,
First editions of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets usually have the Smarties sticker/logo on the front, so that should be fine. The date of copyright should be 1998, the publisher Bloomsbury, and the number line counting down to 1, and only hardback copies of this book have collectible value. You’re welcome to email photos if you’d like us to have a look.
Laura Massey
May 24, 2013 at 5:16 pmHi George,
Thanks for your question. The Smarties prize sticker or logo normally appears on first editions of Chamber of Secrets, so that is fine. To be a first edition it should be dated no later than 1998, published by Bloomsbury, and have the number line counting down to 1.
marc
May 20, 2013 at 10:02 amHi I have a six box set of Harry Potter books all signed by JK. I bought them at a charity event. Phoenix and Half Blood are both first editions. Could you let me know their approx value as i am looking to sell them. They are all in original dust covers and in excellent condition, untouched, never read. Many thx Marc
Pablo
May 20, 2013 at 10:29 amDear Marc,
Please contact us via email (mail@peterharrington.co.uk) with edition details of all six titles in the set, and our children’s books buyer will be in touch.
Thank you.
JOHN
May 24, 2013 at 11:36 amHi i have a pristine copy 1999 Philosophers Stone Deluxe edition first edition
could you please tell me the value of this book
thank you
JOHN
May 24, 2013 at 11:36 amHi i have a pristine copy 1999 Philosophers Stone Deluxe edition first edition
could you please tell me the value of this book
thank you
Laura Massey
May 24, 2013 at 1:18 pmHi John,
Thanks for your question. Depending on condition, the deluxe edition of Philosopher’s Stone can be worth at retail around £200-400 (you could expect to receive around a third of the retail price from a reputable bookseller). We don’t need any copies at the moment, but if you’re interested in selling yours try the website of the Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association, or the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, to locate booksellers near you.
Pipe
May 24, 2013 at 5:04 pmHow much does a first edition signed by j.k rowling sell for in good condition?
Laura Massey
May 24, 2013 at 5:09 pmYou can have a look at our page of Harry Potter books to get an idea – it includes several copies that are signed: http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/authors/j-k-rowling/
Bergström
May 26, 2013 at 5:32 pmHi
I have two book.
1)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: 1997 copyright Joanne Rowling, but numbers are 20 19 18 17 16 15. It’s hard copy with dust cower.
2)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: 1998, numbers are 17 19 20 18 16. It’s hard copy with dust cower.
Do they have any value even though they aren’t 1. print?
Regards
Laura Massey
May 28, 2013 at 10:04 amUnfortunately these copies, and other later printings, do not have collectible value. They are only reading copies.
Lynne
May 29, 2013 at 9:09 amHi Laura,
I have an immaculate hard back copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which was published in 2003 and says ‘First Edition’ at the bottom of the copyright page.
I have the same of The Half Blood Prince.
I know that other first editions have numbers counting down from 10 to 1. Are they worth anything? They are not signed.
Thanks
Lynne
Laura Massey
May 29, 2013 at 10:09 amHi Lynne,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, even first editions of the last four Harry Potter books have very little collectible value as so many copies were printed. Fine copies are usually sold at retail for around £50.
Michael
May 29, 2013 at 8:25 pmHi Laura I have a 1997 signed copy of j.k rowlings philosophers stone but the numbers do not to run 1 they run from 30 to 24 will my book have any value as it is signed by j.k rowling?
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:33 amThere may be some value in the signature – please send us an email with photographs of the book and the signature and we can let you know more.
Christopher Rumble
July 23, 2013 at 6:29 pmHi Laura I have a 1997 paperback Philosophers Stone with 1st edn 37th printing and “winner of the Smarties Gold Award ” at the bottom. Error Copyright Text Joanne Rowling. Good condition no cracks on spine
Any high value here to justify a trip to visit you ?
Laura Massey
July 25, 2013 at 9:34 amUnfortunately it must be a first edition, first printing as described above to have any collectible value. Yours is just a reading copy.
shona mac
May 30, 2013 at 9:26 pmHi Laura I have a 1997 paperback copy of the Philosophers Stone. The front cover has the ‘Smarties Gold Award’ but the at script the bottom reads This is terrific book, The Sunday Telegraph. The title page is the same as above but there is no number line. Thank you. Shona Mc
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:33 amThis sounds like a reprint with no collectible value.
Andyb
June 2, 2013 at 2:52 pmHi Laura,
I have seven Harry potter special edition, hard back, signed books. The last four are all first editions. The philosophers stone is a tenth edition, the chamber of secrets is seventh edition and The prisoner of Azkaban is a tenth edition. None of the books have been used (read) and have just been taken out of the plastic covers today to determine publication dates. They are in excellent condition. Do they have any value ??
Thanks
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:32 amIf you send us an email with photographs of the ooks and signatures we can let you know if they’re of interest. Thanks!
Dalton
July 15, 2013 at 6:36 amI’m pretty sure that edition came with the signatures embossed in gold on the bottom of the front cover. It in itself wouldn’t add value to the book
Glenn A
June 2, 2013 at 5:15 pmHi Laura.
I have a first edition,2003, copy of “Harry Potter And The Order Of the phoenix” The book is misbound, page numbers repeated and the content of the pages repeated. Does this make it a valuable rarity?
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:30 amNo, errors such as these do not make books valuable. See this blog post for more information on why misprints and other errors do not make a book valuable: http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/do-misprints-or-typos-make-a-book-valuable/
Glenn A
June 9, 2013 at 9:57 amThanks Laura 🙂
Caroline
June 4, 2013 at 6:15 pmHi, I have a 1997 copy of the Philosophers Stone that matches evvery criteria here apart from it is the 23rd print. It has the same typo (“1 wand”), is published by Bloomsbury etc. It also has the Smarties Book Award winner “sticker” but really all I’m interested in is the fact that it is the 23rd printing but still has the typo, which you stated above was edited on the second printing. Does this make it worth something?
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:28 amNo, only first printings have value, even if they the same errors as a first printing. The value of an error lies only in what it tells us about the book’s printing history. In this case it doesn’t matter, because the book already states that it is a 23rd printing.
Scott
June 5, 2013 at 11:39 pmhello, i have a copy of the philosophers stone with the numbers reading 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2.
just curious if it is worth anything?
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 11:27 amNo, this is a second printing and does not have collectible value.
Adam Douglas
September 4, 2014 at 4:33 pmI’m going to contradict Laura here. The second printing of Philosopher’s Stone in the casebound (hardback) issue is valuable. It’s worth somewhere around 10 per cent of the value of a first impression in the hardback binding. The case is the same as the first printing, but the number line ends in 2, as Scott’s copy does, but the repeated 1 wand is corrected. But if Scott’s copy is a second printing in paperback, it’s not going to have nearly such a high value.
Aaron
June 6, 2013 at 4:34 pmHi Laura,
I have a First Ballantine Book Edition: August 1965 of the Hobbit. How much do you think does this worth on the market?
Laura Massey
June 6, 2013 at 4:41 pmThis edition of The Hobbit does not really have any collectible value.
Lue
June 7, 2013 at 11:56 amHello, I have hardbacks of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Both are first editions – is there any value to them at all?
june cooper
June 9, 2013 at 9:43 amHi laura
I have a copy of the prisoner of azkaban,it has the numbers from 10 down to 1 it states that it is published in 2002 becouse it is an large print ex libary edition bloomburys.its a bit battered do you think it has any value. Thanks in advance june
Lue
June 10, 2013 at 10:15 amHello, I have hardbacks of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Both are first editions – is
there any value to them at all?
Ian
June 11, 2013 at 10:52 amHi I have a Ted Smart box set of the first 3 HP books.
The Philosopher’s Stone is a second edition and the Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban are both First Editions. Immaculate condition as unread. Any value?
Dan
June 11, 2013 at 8:32 pmHello, I have both the chamber of secrets and prisoner of azkaban that show 10 through to 1 first edition but they say ‘Ted Smart’ on the first cover page. Both are in good condition with dust covers. Are they worth anything? Thanks
Shanel
June 12, 2013 at 2:57 amHi Laura,
I have 4 out of the 7 books (Chamber of Secrets, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, & The Deathly Hallows), they all meet the requirements of date, 10-1 numbering and say Bloomsbury on the bottom of the page, they’re all hardcover except for Chamber. But, they also say Raincoast Books Vancouver beside it as well.. does this make a difference?
Thanks, Shanel
Ben
June 22, 2013 at 7:14 amDo the later books have the number line? My order of the Phoenix and half blood prince both have the words “first edition” and not he number line
ali
June 26, 2013 at 7:19 pmHi. Are the numbers readind 20 down to 1 a second edition?
Matt
June 27, 2013 at 11:35 amHi Laura I have the chamber of secrets number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is it worth much as its a first edition ? Thank you . Matthew
Matt
June 27, 2013 at 12:56 pmHi Laura I have harry potter chamber of secrets number line. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is it worth much ? First edition 1998. Thanks Matthew
Theresa
July 1, 2013 at 1:44 amWondering, as I am looking to purchase first edition, first prints of the adult hardbacks, if the copyright year is say, 1997 and the print year says 2004, they are NOT considered first editions, first prints then? I’m just starting to collect first editions and do not want to get ripped off. Any advice?
Theresa
July 1, 2013 at 1:46 amAnd I was merely using the years as an example.
Laura Massey
July 1, 2013 at 8:58 amHi Theresa,
Yes, as it includes a date later than 1997 that means it is not a first edition.
Aaron
July 1, 2013 at 4:34 pmHi Laura,
I have a first edition of Hitch Hikers Guide to Galaxy. I saw some good prices offered to this books. I’m willing to sell my copy for a good price. You think you can appraise my book. Please advise.
Thank you very much.
Aaron
July 1, 2013 at 5:03 pmHi Laura,
I have a Hitchhiker’s guide to Galaxy first edition. They’re offering good prices for every kind of book. I’m just wondering maybe you can appraise my book. Please advise.
Thank you.
Laura Massey
July 2, 2013 at 9:15 amPlease email books@peterharrington.co.uk with photographs of your book (the covers, the dust jacket, and the title page) and someone will get back to you.
Aaron
July 2, 2013 at 4:22 pmThank you. I will send the email right away.
Julie
July 6, 2013 at 5:01 amI have a hardback version of the half blood prince. Says first edition but dated 2005 and no numbers from 10-1.
Book is signed by Daniel radcliffe, Rupert grin and Emma watson. Is it worth anything?
Laura Massey
July 12, 2013 at 10:36 amThis book may have some value based on the signatures. We can let you know more if you send us photographs of the book, including the copyright information and the signatures.
Julie
July 13, 2013 at 4:59 pmgreat where shall I send photos?
Laura Massey
July 15, 2013 at 9:27 amSend them to laura@peterharrington.co.uk/.
TheSecret
July 6, 2013 at 11:33 amHelllo
How much are first printing sorcerer stone, exclusive school market will be worth?
Which auction house has the best realized values in Harry
Potter books if one is to sell Potter books that are first printings and the cover art have not yet been identified to the general public?
Thank you.
Dalton
July 15, 2013 at 6:32 amHello! I would like to purchase your school market edition. I think the cover is excellent. What condition is your copy in? Please email me at dalton.wyers@rocketmail.com. Thank you!
AlanSimpson
July 8, 2013 at 11:21 amI have an early edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone – the numbers run 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3, and there are such quirks as ‘joanne rowling’ and the spacial error in ‘Thomas Taylor1997’. Not the first edition, I know, but is this worth anything?
Laura Massey
July 12, 2013 at 10:35 amOnly the true first impressions of Harry Potter books have collectible value. Unfortunately, as this copy is a later printing from a different publisher it does not. And for more information on why errors and misprints such as the ones you mention don’t make a book valuable, please see our post Do Misprints or Typos make a Book Valuable? http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/do-misprints-or-typos-make-a-book-valuable/
Andrew
July 16, 2013 at 12:27 amHello,
I have a full set of harry potter books, and was wondering what they would valued at. The philosophers stone is a 1st ed, 1st print (one of the 500), chamber of secrets is a 1st edition 1st print, prisoner is a 1st ed 1st print 1st state with errors, Goblet of fire is first edition by Omnia, and last are all 1st edition as stated. All are bloomsbury and hardcover with dj, except the first which is an ex-library pb.
Laura Massey
July 16, 2013 at 10:52 amIf you would like to email photographs, including the covers, title pages, and copyright information, to books@peterharrington.co.uk we can let you know what we would offer you for the books, but we cannot give a formal valuation. I can say that in general, only the first three books have collectible value, as the later ones were printed in such large numbers. Additionally, the Omnia copy is a reprint – the books were always printed first by Bloomsbury so only those copies have collectible value.
Andrew
July 16, 2013 at 4:31 pmI don’t believe its a reprint, it is 1st Ed/1st print by UK Bloomsbury but was printed by Omnia before Clays and Mackays.
Laura Massey
July 16, 2013 at 5:20 pmI see, I thought you meant that Omnia was the publisher. Goblet of Fire and the other later Harry Potter books were printed for Bloomsbury by a number of different firms, as the print runs were so large that no single company could manage the whole thing. This does not make a difference – there is no precedence for any of the individual printers, and no difference in collectible value between the copies, as all of them hit stores at the same time. All that matters is that the book be published by Bloomsbury in the correct year with the number line down to 1. Additionally, the Omnia printing is not rare – around 250,000 copies were printed by them, and this number alone is far, far higher than the print runs for most books.
Laura Ward
July 17, 2013 at 7:55 pmHi, my name is Laura Ward, and I’ve been looking up about the first edition printing of the first harry potter book, harry potter and the philosopher’s stone, it has to have the dumbledore on the back cover with the brown beard, just inside the front cover it has to have the number 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, and for the author’s name it will say Joanna Rowling, and not J K Rowling, like it does in the later editions that were published, and for the illustrator’s name it will have: Thomas Taylor1997, without a space inbetween the year and the surname,
and on the front cover at the bottom there will be a black strip that says: ”A terrific read and
a stunning first novel” Wendy Cooling, where as on the other edition of the book that was released it has a black strip with something about the gold smarties award, anyway if anyone else would like to chat with me about the harry potter books, feel free to e-mail me: willowy2k@hotmail.com, I don’t mind, I love to talk about all things harry potter!
Tinkerbell
July 18, 2013 at 6:48 amHave have order of Phoenix and Half Blood Prince firsts are they worth anything?
Muckermel
July 18, 2013 at 11:48 amHi,
I have all of the Harry Potter series in deluxe first editions/ first impressions including the elusive ‘Azkaban’ and an edition of ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ signed by the artist Thomas Taylor. As a complete first set of deluxe first impressions are they worth much? How would I go about selling them?
Thanks,
Mel
Ashleigh
July 24, 2013 at 10:11 amHi Laura,
I have the first 4 Harry Potter books signed by J.K. Rowling but they are signed personally to me, she follows the 1st up by writing ‘To Ashleigh, again’ and the 3rd ‘To Ashleigh, yet again’ and finally in the 4th one, ‘To Ashleigh, don’t drop this on your foot’. I just wondered if they wont have any value as they are signed personally?
Laura Massey
July 25, 2013 at 9:33 amPersonalisation does not usually change the value of a signature.
Clare Ryzy
July 26, 2013 at 4:33 pmi have recentley been reading alot of millers collectable books and came across this can you tell me what is correct of the date in the book im being told its 1997 now im lead to believe 1998 book
Chris
July 28, 2013 at 12:07 pmHi I have a first edition Goblet Of Fire book from Bloomsbury I was wondering if this held any value? And if so how can I make a sale knowing I am getting a good deal?
Daniel
July 28, 2013 at 3:03 pmHello. I just recently purchased a signed and hologramed Deluxe Collector’s Edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard in fine condition. It is not numbered and signed on a bookplate. What is the value of this book? Thanks.
Lydia
July 31, 2013 at 2:04 pmHow much is a chamber of secrets uncorected proof copy without a signature worth? Thanks
JRC
July 31, 2013 at 9:01 pmHi I have a 1st edition 1st print with the 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 copy of Harry potter and the philosophers stone but it is an ex library large print version printed in 2001 by Bloomsbury. It’s condition is poor however is it worth anything?
Jim
July 31, 2013 at 10:17 pmHi, I have 4 hardback Harry Potter 1st editions, HP and the Deathly Hallow, HP and the Goblet of Fire, HP and the order of the Phoenix, HP and the Half-Blood Prince. All are in very good condition with their covers. I wonder if they might be worth anything?
Sian
August 1, 2013 at 12:42 pmHi Laura I have a first edition hard back half blood prince which I know in itself is not very rare but I bought it on release day and the bag it was put in was a paperbag with the cover of the book printed on. I think I may have these for a few other editions as well. Is it worth hanging onto?
karen
August 1, 2013 at 3:23 pmHi Laura, I have two harry potter books (and the order of the phoenix, and the deathly hallows) which do not have the numbered countdown but have first edition printed on them.
Can you let me know why this is and does the absence of numbers alter their value?
Karen
August 13, 2013 at 5:40 pmI have a first american edition of Order of the Phoenix in unread condition. It is missing pages 787-834. Is there any value to this book?
ddclbj
August 17, 2013 at 8:02 pmIs my Harry Potter book which is hard back special edition with gold leaves, which has the front cover printed upside worth anything?
Melanie
August 20, 2013 at 12:53 amHi, I have the first Harry potter book, bought in England, printed by Bloomsbury. 1997. Mine does not go down from 10 to 1. But from 50 to 46. I also have the Goblet if Fire in hardback, and it says first edition. Is it of any value? The Prisoner of Azkaban is also British printed 1999 and goes from 10 to one. Lastly I have the chamber of Secrets 1998 going from 30 to 25.
Any help you can provide would be great. Thank you for your time.
Melanie
TOM
August 22, 2013 at 1:40 pmi HAVE A COPY OF HP AND HALF BLOOD PRINCE. iT IS A HARDBACK VERSION WITH A COVER SHOWING AN OLD BOOK ” ADVANCE POTION MAKING” ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. INSIDE THE INFORMATION SAYS FIRST PUBLISHED IN GREAT BRITAIN IN 2005. IT ALSO SAYS FIRST EDITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE BUT NO NUMBERS. PLEASE CAN YOU ADVISE ME AS TO IT’S APPROXIMATE VALUE. ALSO CAN I ADVERTISE IT AS A FIRST EDITION
THANK YOU
TOM NUTTALL
jimbob
February 4, 2014 at 4:52 pmcaps don’t help anything
Annie King
August 29, 2013 at 9:41 amHi Laura, I have a hard back copy of the American version of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, first edition, perfect condition. Would that be worth anything?
AronD
September 2, 2013 at 6:03 pmHi, I have a Deathly Hallow signed at Carnegie Hall (with the ticket and the holographic stamp to prove it) It is a first edition – second printing. I really dont want to sell, but I m interested to know if it is worth anytinhg.
Thanks
Maria Kearins
September 6, 2013 at 11:22 amhalo Laura, i was wondering if you could help me, i bought 2 harry potter books yesterday in a charity shop, i usualy look for angel books, but i was drawn to this one Harry potter and the order of the phoenix, i picked up 2 of the same books, the numbers in the first one are, isbn 0747551006 the other book is the same number, they also say first edition, i would be greatful for your help, thank you, angel hugzz
maria
Hbomb
September 7, 2013 at 7:32 pmHi Laura I have two full sets of all the Harry Potter Deluxe in unused condition first edition first print. All are unblemished. Do you have any idea of current value? Thank you.
Fran
September 28, 2013 at 5:29 pmHi Laura
I have a first edition Jonathan Cape 1986 hardback copy of Going Solo by Roald Dalh, signed inside the second page Roald Dalh 1986.The book is in perfect condition,no dammage to the spine or pages, the signature is clearly visible.The light blue front cover shows a young Roald Dalh as a pilot. It was given to me as a Christmas present about that time. Any value?
Laura Massey
October 7, 2013 at 10:52 amHi Fran,
Thanks very much for your inquiry. If you send some photos of your copy to us at mail@peterharrington.co.uk we can let you know a little about the value.
Fran
October 18, 2013 at 12:23 pmHi
I have sent photos to mail@peterharrington but have not heard since
Kind Regards
Fran
Miranda
October 13, 2013 at 7:12 pmI have a Philosopher’s Stone, 32nd edition signed by J.K.Rowling at the front, is there any value?
Maxine
November 12, 2013 at 8:58 pmHi Laura
I have a first edition of the Deathly Hallows, hardback Bloomsbury. Is it worth anything?
Thanks
Maxine
Orianna Akker
November 24, 2013 at 12:36 pmHi, I have a first edition of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone but without a cover. Is this worth anything? It is in very good condition, thank you
James
December 22, 2013 at 8:53 pmHi Laura
I have a a Harry Potter deluxe gift set in a red box from Bloomsbury press; first 4 potter books. first 2 are first edition 5th pressing and prisoner of Azcob is a 6th pressing but is credited to Joanne and the 3 books have the 10 – 5/6 markings; only prisoner credited to Joanne. Goblet of fire just says first edition. All are in really good condition apart from prisoner which has a couple of dents to the cover. Are these worth anything?
laura
December 24, 2013 at 10:41 pmHi laura I have the first for books of harry potter, they are all first edition books, hard back, gold pages, and have they person that wright the book signitur in gold wrighting, are they worth anything an if so how much thankyou
April Frances Tankson
January 11, 2014 at 3:16 amI have the 4th is it worth any thing?
puffy
January 14, 2014 at 8:32 pmI have a harry potter the half blood prince upside down Binding first edition and laminated checkers waswondering if it is worth any thing
Ryan
January 19, 2014 at 3:41 pmHi Laura, I have the Harry potter books 1-4 with the same artwork shown on this page but with the print line reading 30 29 28. Just wondered how much this is worth? I don’t want to sell it and then find out its worth alot more, Thanks!
Jacqueline
February 20, 2014 at 7:50 pmHi Laura, I have everything in the publishers page as above, but the print no. is 60, and I dont have the mistake on page 53. Is this worth anything?
Louise
February 21, 2014 at 6:24 pmHello
Does having Joanne rowling printed on the first page but it not being a first edition increase its value at all
Thank you in advance
Damian
March 26, 2014 at 1:00 pmI have harry potter and the philosophers stone hard back and soft hard back has numbers going from 10-6 however I cut out some pages to store stuff 🙁 and soft back numbers go from 10-1 but doesn’t have extra wand on page 53 also not in great condition both have the Bloomsbury page
Yvonne M
March 27, 2014 at 11:18 amHello, thanks for writing such a clear article on this! I worked in a bookshop when the first Harry Potter book came out (John Smith and Sons, Glasgow) where JK Rowling did her first book signing. I have a signed first edition 4th printing paperback (with the errors/printing features you describe except for the duplication of the word ‘wand’), it was used to read to many of my mum’s classes and it is in ‘good’ condition, with a small tear at the bottom of the book’s spine, and an ink mark (1cm) which is on ‘top’ of the pages but doesn’t ‘seep’ onto the pages themselves. I would be grateful for your advice about whether this has any value,
thanks, Yvonne
GARRY MCCAUGHEY
May 21, 2014 at 6:54 pmi have a copy of half blood prince, hardback, but cover says deathly hallows. Also, no countdown of edition numbers on copyright page. Is it worth anything?
Olivier
May 31, 2014 at 10:39 amHi Laura,
I have a paper back copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone; my edition was published in 1998, the number line is 10 9.
What would be the value of this book?
Olivier
SuziQ
June 11, 2014 at 3:42 amWe spent the evening looking at my daughter’s copy of The Sorcerer’s Stone. It is hardcover, published 1997 by Scholastc. I remember when she read this years ago she looked up some of the sayings because they were so odd for our American speech. Interestingly enough she has some of the original English edition text and some of the American edited text, all in the same book. I don’t recall hearing of anyone having a book with this oddity — but I know she has certainly enjoyed reading it over the years.
delia kirwan
June 21, 2014 at 7:18 pmhi laura i have the first adition harry potter and the order of the phoenix could you tell me the value please
Hannah Beatrice Ormsby
June 26, 2014 at 9:39 pmHi Laura after looking through this, I have a book that has all of these things except one. the print line on the copy write page only has “10 9” there are no more numbers. Just wondering if the book would still be worth anything. Thanks 🙂
Rosemary
July 15, 2014 at 6:19 pmHi there I have a few Harry Potter books with the same Hardback number however number go from 30 to 26 so there are not worth much…is that correct? Would rather check just in case! Thanks
Robyn Towney
July 22, 2014 at 10:59 amHi I’m wondering I’ve got an unopened book band was told only 300 copies and most of them were given to working promoters.
Would this be true and what wood b the value?
Its the red book Hogworts Express
the Philosophers stone and has 9 3/4 in the picture.
Its still not broke from the seal.
Thanks Robyn
P.s I’ve has since 2008 & I think t was a few years old then.
liz
July 25, 2014 at 4:46 amHi Laura and thank you in advance for your help. I have a pristine 1st edition in the united states and printed in the United states. Signed by Ms. Rowling. Would there be any value in this book. 40 counted down to 32.
Angela Woodcroft
August 8, 2014 at 1:49 pmIs harry potter chamber of secrers ISBN 1-85613-612-4 worth any thing or should it go to the junk shop
Laura Massey
August 8, 2014 at 4:10 pmThank you for your enquiry. I am afraid we cannot tell from the ISBN number. If your copy was published in 1998 by Bloomsbury, with no mention of subsequent dates or printings, it is the hardback edition, and has the number sequence 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, running all the way down to 1, it should be a first edition copy and will be of some worth. If it is a later edition or the paperback version, it will not be of significant worth- at best, a modest second hand book worth of a two-figure amount.
Kind regards,
Pablo Picó
Peter Harrington
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London SW3 6HS
Tel +44 (0)20 7591 0220
Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Works on Paper
Browse our stock at http://www.peterharrington.co.uk We offer free shipping on website orders
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Herb Magee
August 11, 2014 at 5:25 pmHi Laura,
I have a first edition copy of the adult edition of Order of the Phoenix here and pages 49-96 have been replaced by pages 673-720. It’s in good condition, dust jacket etc but I can’t find any information about any other copies like this, any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Laura Massey
August 12, 2014 at 1:38 pmDear Herb,
Such printing/ production errors are not unheard of, and we regularly are asked similar questions by other people who own various Harry Potter titles printed upside down, with missing, misplaced or blank pages, etc.
While a curiosity, such issues do not make the copy particularly valuable or collectable, I am afraid.
Kind regards,
Pablo
Peter Harrington
100 Fulham Road
London SW3 6HS
Tel +44 (0)20 7591 0220
Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054
VAT GB 701 557 850
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Works on Paper
Browse our stock at http://www.peterharrington.co.uk We offer free shipping on website orders
Members, ABA, ILAB, PBFA, ImCos, LAPADA
Peter Harrington Limited
Registered office: WSM Services Limited, Pinnacle House, 17-25 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon, LONDON SW19 3SE Registered in England and Wales No: 3609982
Joel
August 17, 2014 at 6:38 pmHi
I have two immaculate signed first editions of Deathly Hallows. What are they worth? Do you have any interest in them?
Thanks
Joel
Pablo Pico
August 22, 2014 at 3:20 pmAt present we signed copies of Deathly Hallows and do not require any others- thank you.
Mark Johnson
August 18, 2014 at 10:06 amHi Laura,
I have a Hard Back copy of ‘Goblet of Fire’ its in almost mint condition with dust cover also in perfect condition.
1st Edition (2000) but print line is 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22
Is it worth anything (I paid £1.50)
Many Thanks
Mark
Pablo Pico
August 22, 2014 at 3:19 pmHello. I am afraid it will not be of any meaningful worth. Even first edition first impression copies are of modest value due to the very large first impression print run. Subsequent printings will only be worth what you paid for them.
Catherine
August 22, 2014 at 10:36 amI think I have a first edition, 20th printing, hardback copy of Prisoner of Azkaban. It contains the follwing printing errors:
Page 1: A History of Magic, by Adalbert Waffling later corrected to A History of Magic, by Bathilda Bagshot
Page 36: Anglesea later corrected to Anglesey
Page 36: BANG later corrected to BANG!
Page 38: Two weeks holiday later corrected to Three weeks holiday
Page 92: As a big as a bucket later corrected to As big as a bucket
Page 147: Droobles later corrected to Drooble’s
Page 198: Baited breath later corrected to Bated breath
It is in very fine condition, with the original dust jacket. The only drawback is that it’s original price of £10.99 has been clipped from the dust jacket.
Could you please tell me how much you would value it at?
stephan
August 23, 2014 at 6:08 amHi I have a harry potter and the philosophers stone soft cover with the gold shine on some stars and on the words harry potter and also the top of the side and lower bottom of the front page over the word bloomsbury,the number counts down from 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ,it says “first edition published 1997 etc..” And directly under that it says this edition published in 2001 ..I also have soft cover prizoner of azkaban published in 1999 with the numbers 20 19 18 17 16 .. Are these worth much? Thanks in advance
stephan
August 23, 2014 at 6:16 amBtw my prizoner of azkaban copy has all the same wording errors as catherine noted on those pages of the book that was later changed
Chris Birchall
August 24, 2014 at 10:52 pmHi I have a first edition philosophers stone running from 10 to 1 hard cover in a dust jacket but it says this edition produced for the book people ltd 1998… The authors name states Joanne Rowling, and it is the old picture on the back. Will this be of any worth?
Thanks
w.franklin
May 25, 2016 at 8:38 amHI, i have a copy of harry potter and the goblet of fire, it is the rarer Mackays printed version, any idea of values ?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone is nearly 20 years old and some first edition books are now worth nearly £5,000 - Haslemere UK
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