Unique Potter proof sells for thousands

A unique signed copy of the very first appearance in print of Harry Potter has fetched nearly £36,000 at auction.

The uncorrected proof of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was one of only 200 produced by publishers Bloomsbury in 1997 prior to the official publication of the first edition.

The book, with distinctive white cover and yellow band around the middle, is thought to be the only one of its kind signed and inscribed by author JK Rowling

The proof copy was given by the publisher’s agent to the children’s book buyer for a leading Edinburgh bookshop.

The recipient, Catriona, became an early supporter and met Rowling in 1999, when the author wrote inside “to Catriona long time since I have seen one of these!. J.K. Rowling”.

The book attracted global interest ahead of its sale at Bonhams in London, where it was sold to a private UK buyer bidding online for £35,840.

Luke Batterham, Bonhams Senior Valuer, Books, said: “It’s the only inscribed copy I’ve ever seen, and the elegant inscription reflects the fact that J.K Rowling and the recipient had known each other from almost the beginning of the Harry Potter journey.

“So it wasn’t surprising to see the amount of interest in this book. We are delighted with the price achieved.”

Catriona met Rowling on several occasions when she visited the shop, first to write in the shop’s café and later to sign books or attend literary events that Catriona helped organise.

Catriona’s even rarer uncorrected proof copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — signed at the same time — fetched £23,040.

One of only 50 produced, it was signed and inscribed by the author “to my dear old friend Catriona with many thanks. J.K. Rowling”.

Mr Batterham added: “These two wonderful lots bookend the author’s journey from the moment the proof of her first book appeared in 1997 to the publication of Azkaban, from which moment ‘Harry Potter’ truly became the global phenomenon he has been ever since.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the first of Rowling’s boy wizard novels and was written largely in cafes in Edinburgh.

It introduced millions of readers to Harry and his friends at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rowling has claimed the book changed her life forever.