Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

5b J. K. Rowling. Scholastic Press, 1999. First US Edition. First Printing. SIGNED.

Notes

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, follows Harry during his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This installment deepens the series' darker themes as Harry learns that Sirius Black, an escaped convict from the wizarding prison Azkaban, is supposedly after him. Amid lessons, new magical creatures, and growing friendships, Harry uncovers truths about his past and the betrayal that led to his parents' deaths. The story introduces key elements like the Marauder’s Map, Dementors, and Animagi, adding complexity and emotional depth to the wizarding world.

The first U.S. edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was published by Scholastic under the Arthur A. Levine Books imprint on September 8, 1999. Designed by Mary GrandPré, the cover art features a dramatic image of Harry and Hermione riding Buckbeak, the hippogriff. This edition followed the success of the first two books, with an initial print run of 500,000 copies—indicative of the growing Harry Potter phenomenon in the United States. It uses Americanized language and spellings which slightly differ from the UK edition and the dust jacket features a slightly more action-focused visual style to appeal to the US market.

Description 

Textured blue papered boards with purple cloth spine. Green foil lettering along the spine. Original dust jacket. Signed by Rowling to the title page. Minimal bumping to points and edges. Spine ends softened. Slight soil to block edge. Very fine condition overall.