ROWLING, J.K. (b. 1965). Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury, 1997.

A beautiful example of the rare true first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. One of just 500 copies printed.

The Harry Potter phenomenon has had a profound impact on literature and culture, revitalizing the fantasy genre and inspiring a new wave of young adult literature. Its success led to a blockbuster film series, which further expanded its reach and solidified its place in the popular imagination. The characters, spells, and settings have become iconic, with terms like ‘Muggle’ and ‘Hogwarts’ entering everyday language. While the story of the boy wizard Harry Potter would go on to take the world by storm, Rowling was totally unknown upon its first publication. Only 500 copies were printed of the initial run, 300 of which went to libraries. The covers, designed by Thomas Taylor and depicting the young Harry Potter with the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4, are arguably the most recognisable of any book of the last 50 years. Errington A1(a).

Octavo. Original pictorial boards by Thomas Taylor (faint fading to spine and top edge of upper board, tiny push to one corner).