Before the series became a global phenomenon, these proofs were the very first glimpses into Harry’s world. Finding one today is an exceptionally rare event.

It is believed that only 200–300 of these copies were ever printed for reviewers. At the time, few realised the sensation J.K. Rowling’s schoolboy wizard would become, and most were simply discarded. In fact, Bloomsbury stopped releasing proofs altogether after the first three books to keep the plot lines a closely guarded secret!

This particular copy has sat quietly on the shelf of a local Nottingham family since the late nineties. Suspecting it might be special, they brought it to one of our free valuation days (held every Monday at our Meadow Lane Auction Centre). Safe to say, our valuation took them by surprise!

Mark your diary for the auction, and be sure to check our Antique & Vintage Collectables catalogue on the evening of Wednesday 11th of February for more details!

Listen to the interview on BBC Radio Nottingham here - scrolll to 1.21 on the playback:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qqgd