Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone “Uncorrected Proof Copy” Auctioned For Over USD20,000
A remarkable discovery in the heart of Oxfordshire has stirred the hearts of Harry Potter fans and book collectors alike. St. Kenelm’s Primary School, nestled in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell, stumbled upon an uncorrected proof copy of J.K. Rowling’s inaugural masterpiece, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
Only 200 of these rare gems were ever printed by Bloomsbury, and the book, once purchased for a mere £1, has resurfaced in the spotlight. Highlighting distinctive features such as the author’s name being inaccurately recorded as “J.A. Rowling,” this hidden treasure is poised for auction at Hansons Auctioneers, with the possibility of attaining a price exceeding £20,000 ($25,000). Join us as we unravel the enchanting tale of this literary discovery and its impact on St. Kenelm’s School.
The Unearthed Literary Gem
In the corridors of St. Kenelm’s Primary School, this uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” languished, largely overlooked, as students favored illustrated editions with vibrant covers. Acquired in 1997 for a mere £1, it soon found its way into the school’s library.
However, it was removed from circulation in 2002 when the staff began to suspect its potential value. Fears mounted in 2015 that this literary treasure had met a grim fate, tossed aside as old paperbacks were cleared out during a spring cleaning spree. Yet, destiny had other plans.
During a recent spring cleaning session, this unassuming book emerged from the shadows, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, rekindling hope and curiosity.
The Auction and a Noble Cause
Now, this uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” affectionately known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S., is poised to make its grand entrance into the auction stage at Hansons Auctioneers. The proceeds from this auction will not line the pockets of collectors but will instead support the noble cause of enriching young minds with literature within the local community.
Bob Alder, the retired headteacher of St. Kenelm’s School, shared his thoughts, saying, “It was quite by luck that the Harry Potter was spotted in the sale. It had none of the attractiveness of a typical child’s paperback. It cost £1. It was not thought to have any value. However, it was known from press coverage that the story was something special, and to read extracts to the children would encourage them to own their own copy.”
A Historical Literary Artifact
Jim Spencer, head of books at Hansons, emphasized the significance of the discovery by stating that it marked the origin point of the first Harry Potter novel’s print appearance. He mentioned having made several noteworthy Harry Potter discoveries previously but regarded this one as particularly exceptional and a first-time occurrence for him.
He added that Hansons had been procuring and selling 16 highly rare hardback first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, originating from the initial 500-book print run since 2017. Spencer further noted that this discovery was even rarer, taking collectors back a stage further in the evolution of the lucrative Potter phenomenon. He affirmed that it was an original proof copy of a book that would later achieve worldwide acclaim.
The journey of this unique book, from obscurity in a school library to the global spotlight, is a testament to the enduring allure of the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Moreover, its contribution to the community, as the proceeds support young readers, adds an extra layer of enchantment to this remarkable tale.
