Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

5RV, J. K. Rowling. London: Bloomsbury, 1997. First paperback edition, first impression

Notes

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the first novel in J.K. Rowling's beloved series, introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story follows Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. As he embarks on his first year at Hogwarts, Harry makes new friends, learns about his parents' mysterious past, and uncovers the dark secrets surrounding the powerful Philosopher's Stone. The book combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and mystery, captivating audiences of all ages with its rich storytelling and imaginative world.

The first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published by Bloomsbury on June 26, 1997, in both hardback and paperback formats. Only 500 hardback copies printed. Of those, about 300 were sent to libraries, where they were heavily used, and only around 200 were available for retail sale. The paperback first edition was issued simultaneously, with approximately 5,150 copies printed. It shares the same textual features and misprints as seen in the first hardback edition, including the repeated "1 wand" error, and is also credited to “Joanne Rowling.”

At the time of publication, J.K. Rowling was a completely unknown author. She had written much of the manuscript in Edinburgh cafés while raising her daughter as a single mother and living on government assistance. The book had been rejected by numerous publishers before Bloomsbury took it on, reportedly encouraged by the company chairman’s young daughter, who loved the sample chapters. Rowling was advised to publish under the initials “J.K.” rather than her full name to appeal to young male readers. The phenomenal success of Philosopher’s Stone launched Rowling into literary stardom and began a series that would reshape children’s literature and popular culture worldwide.

Description

Pictorial paperback. Some fraying to foot of spine. Slight cocking of the spine. Rubbing to the extremities. Some browning blooming up from the lower edge onto the interior pages. Very good condition overall.