In the world of literature and fantasy, there is one name that has managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of people of all ages – Harry Potter. The iconic series, written by the renowned author J.K. Rowling, has become a global sensation, selling over 500 million copies and being translated into 80 different languages. However, what many people don’t know is that there exists a rare and special early version of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was discovered by pure chance at a second-hand book shop in 1997.
For Potterheads and book collectors alike, this is a story of luck and magic that is almost too good to be true. The year was 1997, and the world had just been introduced to the enchanting world of Harry Potter. The first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, had been released, and it was quickly becoming a bestseller. The book was flying off the shelves, and fans were eagerly waiting for the next installment. It was amidst this frenzy that a young couple stumbled upon a rare early version of the book at a second-hand book shop in the quaint town of Bath, England.
The couple, who were avid book collectors, were browsing through the shelves when they came across a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Upon closer inspection, they realized that this was no ordinary copy. This particular version had some distinct features that set it apart from the regular edition. For starters, the cover of the book was not the iconic red and golden design that we have all come to know and love. Instead, it was a simple black and white cover with a drawing of a young boy riding a broomstick. The copyright page also had some significant differences, with the publisher being listed as Bloomsbury and the book being printed in 1997, a year before the official publication date.
The couple, who were familiar with the Harry Potter series, immediately recognized the significance of their find. They had stumbled upon a rare, early version of the book that was printed before the final edits were made. This version was known as the “first issue” and was only printed in a limited run of around 500 copies, making it a highly sought-after item among book collectors. Without hesitation, the couple purchased the book for a mere £1.95, and little did they know, they had just made one of the best book purchases of all time.
The story of this rare early version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone spread like wildfire, and it wasn’t long before people from all over the world were trying to get their hands on a copy. The initial printing of the book was incredibly limited, making it almost impossible to find. Over the years, a few copies have surfaced at auctions, with some selling for astronomical amounts. However, it remains a mystery as to how many copies are still out there, waiting to be discovered by some lucky book enthusiast.
So, what makes this early version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone so special? Apart from its limited print run, it also contains some significant differences from the regular edition. The book has several typos and errors that were later corrected in subsequent printings, making it a unique collector’s item. The most notable difference is the misspelling of the word “Philosopher’s” on the back cover, which was later corrected to “Philosopher’s”. The title page also contains a misspelling of the word “wand” as “wandd”.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this rare version is the inclusion of the phrase “1 wand” on the list of school supplies that Harry Potter needs for his first year at Hogwarts. In the later editions, this was changed to “1 wand (any)”. This seemingly insignificant change has caused a stir among fans and collectors, with many speculating about the reason behind it. Some believe that it was a mistake by the publisher, while others argue that it was a deliberate decision by J.K. Rowling to add an element of mystery to the story.
Some might argue that it was pure luck that led the couple to discover this rare gem at a second-hand book shop in Bath. However, for those who believe in the magic of the Harry Potter universe, it is not just a coincidence. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most extraordinary things can be found in the most
