Rare typo adds to value of Harry Potter first edition

A first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone containing a rare error is expected to fetch up to £20,000 when it goes on sale.

The edition is one of only 500 hardback copies printed which contains the mistake on page 53 of the repetition of "1 wand" in Harry's list of school supplies for Hogwarts, which was removed in subsequent editions.

Described as being in exceptionally fine condition, the copy of JK Rowling's first novel in the boy wizard series is estimated to reach £15,000-20,000 at Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale in London on November 9.

Bonhams' Head of Books and Manuscripts Matthew Haley said: "As the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has a special place in the affections of the millions of readers across the world and the proof reading error about the wand in the first edition has, of course, become a treasured piece of Harry Potter arcana.

"Like most enduring books aimed at younger readers, the Harry Potter books also have wide appeal to adults and there is a strong market among collectors for first editions.

"This copy is in excellent condition - one of the very best I've seen - and we're expecting a lot of interest."

No information is available about the current owner.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first published on June 30 1997 by Bloomsbury and became an instant bestseller. Over 400 million copies of the Harry Potter series have been sold worldwide.

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