Thrown Away, Almost: First Edition Harry Potter Fetches £21,000 After Near-Disaster!- wna24

New Delhi, India: Be careful before you toss out your old books! A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, one of only 500 ever printed, was nearly thrown in the trash before it was spotted and sold at auction for over £21,000 ($26,000). 

This particular copy was even rarer, as it was one of just 300 distributed to public libraries. 

The book was found among the belongings of a deceased man from Brixham, whose items were about to be discarded. But then, Daniel Pearce, an auction house owner, came across the book and immediately recognized it for what it was.

A small misprint on the back cover, “philosopher’s” was spelled wrong, a telltale sign of a true first edition. 

And just like that, what could’ve been forgotten in the trash turned into a magical treasure trove.

So, if you’ve got any old Harry Potter books gathering dust, maybe,  it’s the real deal with a misprint? 

Auctioneer Daniel Pearce found the book among possessions earmarked for the bin. He said the book was from the first print run of 500 copies and was among the 300 distributed to public libraries. He stated that the book has now made its way overseas

The misspelling of ‘philosopher’s’ on the back of the copy was among the things that helped Pearce identify it as a first edition. “It is missing the o at the end,” he said, adding that the owner will be delighted as well with the money.

JK Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series has captivated readers of all ages with its richly imagined world of magic, adventure, and friendship. The seven books follow the journey of orphaned wizard Harry Potter and his loyal friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Throughout the series, Harry and his friends must confront the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry’s parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures, potions, spells, and unforgettable characters like Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Ginny Weasley.

The Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring movies, plays, and a devoted fan base with themes of courage, love, and the battle between good and evil. Rowling’s masterful storytelling has made the magical world of Harry Potter a place readers return to again and again.