FAQS

Have YOU got a valuable Harry Potter first edition?

The world was introduced to the young wizard in 1997 with the release of the very first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Nobody anticipated the book’s massive appeal, so the initial print run of the hardback comprised just 500 copies, 300 of which were sent to schools and libraries to help increase its circulation among young readers. This makes the true first printing a rare and valuable collector’s item – but how can you tell if your book is one of these important and much sought-after first editions?

Well, a true first printing (hardback or paperback) must contain all of the following “issue points”:

• Ten to One! Full number line on copyright page, “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”
• Seeing Double! “1 wand” appearing twice on p.53
• A Type of Typo! “Philosopher’s” misspelled “Philospher’s” on rear cover
• Witch Switch! “Wizardry and Witchcraft” [rather than “Witchcraft and Wizardry”] on rear cover
• All in a Name! “Joanne Rowling” on copyright page
• Tight Squeeze! No space between “Taylor” and “1997” on copyright page
• Time is of the Essence! No date later than 1997 appearing anywhere on the copyright page
• Smokin’! The spine and rear cover depicting an unknown wizard smoking a pipe, rather than the later illustration of Dumbledore

If your book has all of the above, congratulations! We’ve sold first issue hardbacks for as much as £89,000 (including Buyer’s Premium), and first issue paperbacks for as much as £14,000 (including Buyer’s Premium). Next, we just need to assess your book’s condition and confirm its authenticity – and we’ll be delighted to help you all the way!

Jim Spencer has made news all over the world with his important Harry Potter discoveries. He’s been interviewed on BBC breakfast television, given exclusive interviews with MuggleNet, and, in a BBC article on Christmas Day, was described as “a magnet for rare Harry Potter books”. Please get in touch and Jim will be delighted to help you!