Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam

April 8, 2006 at 10:39 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Later edit - Please Note: This is a short article containing primarily the text from an auction, it has grown in popularity and gets a great number of visitors and comments - there is far more to be gained from reading the subsequent comments than from the original article. Hope you find it helpful - Regards Rod Collins - Goldeneye Rare Books.
You may also find this article useful What is a First Edition

People seem to be enjoying the outing of scam and rip-off ebay auctions. Well, we can be swayed by popularity. To that end here is another peach
I have highlighted the points of interest
The auction is headed Rare Harry Potter 1st Edition, despite not only being a reprint but not even a publishers edition! The price comparisons are hilarious - enjoy!

Below An Actual Word for Word eBay Auction

You are bidding on an extremely RARE UK Hardback FIRST EDITION, THIRD PRINT copy of Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone published by TED SMART (ONLY THE EARLIEST, MORE VALUABLE BOOKS WERE PRINTED BY TED SMART). The book is in excellent mint condition and has never been read! It also comes with a DUSTJACKET which is in mint condition as well and is not price clipped.

It contains the all important 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 numberline signifying first edition, third print status. The book is printed and bound by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc. The ISBN is 1 85613 403 2. This copy also shows JOANNE ROWLING on the copyright page. Apparently removed from all later editions so Children would not be aware a woman had written the books!! The book also has the young Dumbledore on back and spine, only early prints have this, making them more valuable. The book is not an Ex- library book and does not contain any marking or inscriptions. It has TED SMART on the bottom of the spine and has WINNER OF THE 1997 SMARTIES GOLD AWARD on the bottom of the front cover.

This is a very rare book indeed infact I have seen similar copies advertised for thousands of pounds. I think the first editions first print is now valued in excess of £20,000, so this is a bargain. I have found this book currently listed on ABEBOOKS with an asking price of over £935.00. I have been informed that these books were produced in much smaller numbers than the more common Deluxe versions and are set to emulate their soaring prices! With movie number five, The Order of the Phoenix due for release in 2007 and the seventh book in the series due within months, this book will make not only a fine addition to any serious collection but also a worthwhile investment opportunity! Just a couple of years ago I turned down a Deluxe Azkaban 1st/1st on the advice that at £350.00 it was TOO EXPENSIVE! …. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED……

! Bid Now !

! A MUST HAVE FOR ANY COLLECTOR

See also the following related posts on this site

Signed HP on eBay

More HP Auctions

First Edition or Reprint

Please Note: we cannot provide a valuation service for people’s books I’m afraid

Permalink

270 Comments »

Craig Knighton said,

April 8, 2006 @ 2:54 pm

I found the most amusing part to be the picture of the publishing information page;

First published in Great Britain in 1997
This edition produced for The Book People Limited 1998

So it’s not even a Book People Limited first edition (the Book People are those who go to large workplaces with a box of common books)

However abebooks does have listings for Ted Smart 1st Editions which is still crazy.
Rod said,

April 9, 2006 @ 12:10 am

Absolutely Craig!
Whilst those of us who knnow these things find it amusing some people do get suckered in. They do buy and believe that a 37th edition is collectable simply because it is listed as a
1st edition 37th impression
Rod said,

April 9, 2006 @ 8:57 am

With 5 hours to go, the bidding is up to £55 !
Perhaps we should not be laughing at these people but joining in?

There’s gold in them there hills
Kathy Herbst said,

February 12, 2008 @ 2:33 pm

I am not a collector of 1st editions, but I did catch the ‘ebay scam’. From your message above, who is Ted Smart? Doesn’t the 1st edition, 1st impression go to the author? Does the number below the ‘print code’ indicate the impression number in that run? How many impressions can there be in a ‘run’? Thank you so much for the learning experience. Kathy
Rod said,

February 12, 2008 @ 4:35 pm

Hi Kathy
welcome to the site and thanks fo rthe comment.
To take your points.

Ted Smart is the name of a publisher who issues reprints which are almost identical to the original publishers first editions. As they are reprints their value is minimal.

The 1st edition, 1st impression is simply the first time the book was printed, all copies in that print run are so named.
Subsequent printings are all reprints in reality though on eBay they do like to suggest 37th impressions are of value by adding 1st edition in front of it. In fact the book has been reprinted 37 times and has no value beyond it’s readability.

The number of copies printed in a run can be anything, depends entirely on the publisher and how many they expect to sell.

Hope this helps Kathy
Regards
Rod
ROSH said,

July 2, 2008 @ 2:45 pm

I am afraid i have to disspoint the person who thinks, Harry Potter, TED SMART books are a scam, JOANNE ROWLING her self has given permission via Bloomsbury for Ted Smart to publish the books, please get your fact correct before advertising incorecct information and publicity stuants on the internet.

Rosh
Rod said,

July 2, 2008 @ 5:13 pm

Rosh
]thanks fo rthe comment and welcome to the site.
The scam aspect of the Ted Smart editions are that they are sold as collectable first editions, they are in fact reprints.
Unfortunately some people who buy on ebay are gullible or new to book collecting and are paying collectors prices for books which have little or now collectable value outside gullible ebayers - that is why they are brought to peoples attention.

There is nothing wrong with buying them if you want as with a “1st edition 37th printing” just don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a 1st edition it is not - it is a reprint !
Regards
Rod
Carl said,

August 2, 2008 @ 8:58 pm

I would just like to ask, I have a Harry Potter book, which I bought (or was actually bought for me) when I was younger which has the ISBN 1-85613-403-2. Does this mean anything or not? It does say Joanne Rowling on the copyrights page. However, the book is not in the best condition, having marks on some of the pages and a name (my name, written in lovely bright felt tips) on the inside. Just wondering is all, my friend related me to this page as I am not a Harry Potter fan myself.
Rod said,

August 3, 2008 @ 9:06 am

Hi Carl
the ISBN, generally speaking, means nothing in terms of determining first edition status.
That simply identifies the title and can stay with it through multiple reprints
Rod
Ben said,

August 5, 2008 @ 2:34 pm

Hi,
I take it that the Ted Smart versions are not actually worth anything then? I was wondering because I have a Ted Smart book lying around with the numbers 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 in the publishing page. It also says that it was produced for The Book People Ltd. I don’t really understand what it all means.
Many Thanks, Ben
Rod said,

August 5, 2008 @ 4:18 pm

Hi Ben
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
The book you mention has no real value outside its readability I’m afraid.
You have a third edition of a reprint “book club” type of book.
Cheers
Rod
Nic said,

August 6, 2008 @ 4:36 pm

Hi,

I have a book that says all the ‘First published in 1997′ with copyright for Joanne Rowling and copyright for cover illustration to Thomas Taylor 1997 etc. It is also the usual printed and bound by Clays Ltd but does not have any of the usual 10 9 8…. numbers on the publishing page. Instead it just has the number 20 written at the bottom on its own.
Does that mean it is worthless?

Thanks, Nic
Rod said,

August 6, 2008 @ 5:03 pm

Hi Nic
Welcome to the site.
Does that mean it is worthless?
Yes I’m afraid it does - there were 19 printings/editions of the book beforehand
Best
Rod
Sam said,

August 8, 2008 @ 3:04 pm

Hi,
I recently thought my Harry Potter books were quite valuable but after reading this I am having second thoughts.
My Philosiphers Stone has the numberline 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
My Chamber of Secrets has the numberline 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
And my Prisoner of Azkaban has the numberline 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

However the have been produced for the book people and and have Ted Smart on the side. Does this mean they have no value/rarity?

Thanks, Sam
Rod said,

August 8, 2008 @ 4:01 pm

Hi Sam
they are not only reprints but not original publisher editions - so not of real value I’m afraid.
That is not to say somebody on eBay would not pay something for them but then that is the point of this article.
They do get sold as first editions etc but they are not hence of little collectable value - though they are still nice books to own
Cheers
Rod
Sam said,

August 8, 2008 @ 5:10 pm

Thanks for that Rod. I suppose it is better to know the truth about the books, and of course they are nice to own. Sorry for my bad typing earlier.
Thanks
Sam
ian said,

August 22, 2008 @ 12:50 am

a lot of ted smart books are being sold for high prices, not just joanne rowlings’. it reflects the rarity of some of them. the first harry potter printing was not a commercial success. it was agreed that the book people would print some to help promote the book,at which they are very good. (something that has made ted smart the richest man in uk publishing). that fact alone gives the ted smart editions some historical interest. technically they are not a reprint but a first edition from a second publisher, a rare phenomonen i think.
anything is worth what someone will pay you for it. as the first editions are so expensive and rare it seems another market has sprung up in ted smart editions. the first print runs of these (with 10 down to 1) are also very rare now and identifiable as different from bloomsbury reprints. (i think only a few thousand were printed and most were read and will be destroyed or in poor condition ). so if you can get hold of a ted smart first edition first print in mint condition of the first 3 titles it will be sellable, but like i said it will be worth what someone is willing to pay.
the book people are not a book club, they are a bona fide publisher who simultaneously publish books for their market when the normal trade does. this has a lot to do with the fact that the book people take risks and publish hundreds of titles per year before any sales figures are available. book clubs only come into the picture once a book is a proven best seller and therefore of no interest to anyone other than the reader. i have some of ted’s harry potter ist printings. i hope this helps a bit. to sum up, the first 3 harry potter books by ted smart, ist printings are very rare and could attract money if they are in mint condition. there may be very few left.
Rod said,

August 22, 2008 @ 7:23 pm

Ian
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site
technically they are not a reprint but a first edition from a second publisher
Technically they are a reprint Ian. There can only be one UK first edition and everything that is printed after that is a reprint - by definition
I know eBay has made it popular to call just about everything a first edition but the fact remains they are not.

i hope this helps a bit
I’ve handled countless ‘real’ first editions over the years Ian so I do have a little bit of an idea.

You are quite right to say they are worth what somebody is willing to pay and I notice the market has fallen dramatically for Harry Potter reprints on eBay (they don’t really sell anywhere else - except to people who put them on eBay)

The point opf the article was to draw attention to misleading auctions and to help people make their mind up properly.
It makes sense for those collectors who lack the funds to buy a first edition to get an early reprint, there’s nothing wrong with that - just as long as they are not lead into thinking it is a first edition.

It may be worth pointing out that those of us who are professional first edition book dealers laugh at this nonsense and those that perpetrate it - personally though I feel sorry for those duped.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment
All the best
Rod
jes said,

September 4, 2008 @ 6:25 am

Hi,

I have a genuine Bloomsbury (Not Ted Smart, Large Print, or otherwise) HP Prisoner of Azkaban 1st ed 2nd state and has the all-important number line. It’s a pretty much worn-out ex-lib copy which I purchased for about $20. Could you tell me how many copies of this state are actually printed since I feel like I really made a good bargain when I decided to purchase it.

Cheers!
Rod said,

September 4, 2008 @ 8:13 am

Hi Jes
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
The printed about 5,000 copies in the first edition run so it’s not particularly rare.
The fact that it is ex library is obviously a very limiting factor in terms of value.
Regards
Rod
Matt said,

September 5, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

Hi, I just found this site; it’s been quite interesting to read the posts.
I have a Bloomsbury paperback Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone. Published in 1997 and it has the number-line: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2. I was reading elsewhere about the quotes on the front of the book and this one is by Wendy Cooling. The condition is very good with only some light reading wear.

Can anybody tell me it’s value?

Many thanks in advance,
Matt
Martie said,

September 6, 2008 @ 8:54 pm

Hi Rod I have a Ted Smart Copy of the Philosopher’s Stone (Published 1998) with only the numbers 10 9 8 and no numbers following, from the information you have given above my understanding is that the numbers that follow depict the edition - so what does it mean when there are no numbers following?
Thanks
Martie
Rod said,

September 7, 2008 @ 8:19 am

Hi Martie
welcome to the site.
The last number generally signifies the edition.
i.e. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 would = a 1st
10 9 8 would equal and 8th edition
Regards
Rod
Jack said,

September 14, 2008 @ 11:51 am

I have a philosophers stone in really good condition, it is 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 and has the mistakes in (Taylor1997) and the Owl on the back, not beetle eyed man. But there is no Ted Smart and only has the date 1997 on it. Is this worth anything?
Sorry for terrible sentance structure im quite tired!
Rod said,

September 14, 2008 @ 3:08 pm

Hi Jack
welcome to the site
being a 4th edition does, of course, affect the value dramatically when compared to a 1st.
For the vast majority of books this would render it almost worthless in collecting and value terms.
However, the nature of these particular books mean that early editions by the original publisher do have some value. We cannot give valuations but it does have some collectable interest especially to the eBay market
Cheers
Rod
Max said,

October 22, 2008 @ 6:25 pm

I have a few large print harry potter first editon/first print books. I have three coppies of Philosopher Stone. I wanted to collect a set for each of my twin boys. Are they worthless because they are large print, or do they have some value?
Rod said,

October 23, 2008 @ 8:43 am

HI Max
personally speaking I attach no real value to large print editions.
Once again the only real appetite for them seems eBay based.
I’ve never had a collector ask me for any.
You’ve also got the connotation of public library which always springs to mind with large print editions.
Cheers
Rod
Cherry said,

October 28, 2008 @ 7:49 am

hi i love my harry potter books but i have been told that my half-blood prince book and deathly hallows book are not worth anything but they both say first edition with dust jackets and in good condition, is this right?and my parents found a deluxe prisoner of azkaban book with just the number 10 writen inside with isbn 0747545111at a car boot sale for £2.00 (it is in mint condition)is the worth more than this?(they gave me the book).if you can help with this i will be forever thankfull,
Cherry
Rod said,

October 28, 2008 @ 9:57 am

Hi Cherry
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
Sadly those books have no real monetary value I’m afraid, in fact I don’t even try to sell them when I get them - I give them away.
They printed so many that they are very common.
That doesn’t lessen them as a pleasure to own though.

The deluxe edition is a 10th edition of that version so not worth a great deal either - though it was a bargian at £2 !
All the best
Rod
Cherry said,

October 28, 2008 @ 11:12 am

I really do enjoy them they are nice to read on a sunday afternoon and i had a look around your site and had a bit of a laugh about your toe!i will have to read more,
Cherry
Rod said,

October 28, 2008 @ 12:09 pm

Hi Cherry
hope you’ll return to read more, please feel free to comment again as well
All the best
Rod
Marty said,

October 31, 2008 @ 6:17 pm

Hi guys and Rod . .

Is there a conspiracy here against Harry Potter - after all he has only been around for 11 years, and I guess JK may not fit the Professional ‘pen smiths’ Mould, mmm! Looks to me that its thinly veiled as a jibe at eBay . . I have no link with eBay, but it would appear that you don’t like the site, or is it the Harry Potter Phenomenon, Rod . .

Surely all books are just ‘mashed up trees’ . . Why so precious about what you do and ‘dis’ what happens on eBay as ridiculous - the ‘Harry Potter Phenomenon’ . .

As with any Auction an item is only worth what a person is prepared to pay - thus, a reflection of the ‘market’ . . Not so with dealers, I often wonder where they get their prices from - Myth and Magic, maybe! . .

ahem! Are you and others forgetting about the well established Auction House of Sotheby’s, they’ve sold a few - or are they also ‘in on the Harry Potter Conspiracy’ . . ah! There is Amazon also, they’ve sold a few! . . mmmmmmmm! This conspiracy of Harry Potter Collectable Books is thickening and gaining validity as it spreads out into the big wide world! Whatever next . .

I personally think that JK has made a marvelous contribution/dent in to the precious world of literary, and Her/Bloomsbury/Ted Smart’s early books are well worth collecting - its refreshing that in the ‘Arts World’ someone has been acknowledged and as such, has contributed worthy collectables - and is still alive!

Right, I’ll get off me ’soap box’ now - and yes, I’ll grab me coat on the way out!
Rod said,

October 31, 2008 @ 6:46 pm

Hi Marty
thanks for the great comment and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.

I’ve nothing against ebay or Harry Potter - very much the reverse in fact.
With respect I think you’ve rather missed the point.
The point of the post is to point out to those unaware the difference between a first edition and a reprint.
What they decide to pay is of course up to them but they are being preyed upon by a small number of sellers who sell books printed years after the 1st edition and market as a first edition.

As with any Auction an item is only worth what a person is prepared to pay - thus, a reflection of the ‘market’
That’s true providing the goods are not misrepresented. If you check past auctions you’ll see that those who acurately described reprints as such got next to nothing for them on eBay - those that falsely described them got good money.

One was buying brand new paperbacks on Amazon then listing them as 1st edition with small print at the bottom saying (37th printing)
People were paying up to £100 for a new paperback available for £5 !

Surely all books are just ‘mashed up trees’
Can’t argue with that one
Thanks again Marty
Rod
Rod said,

October 31, 2008 @ 6:51 pm

See also the following related posts
http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/jk-rowling-signed-ebay-book-auction

http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/harry-potter-on-ebay-yet-again

http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/first-edition-or-reprint
Marty said,

October 31, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

Hi guys and Rod . . I’ve pushed me ’soap box’ aside!

Thanx for your response Rod - I checked out your ‘links’ . . Yeap, on eBay their up to ‘First Edition, 60 odd Prints,’ I guess the books were in WH Smith yesterday!

The point of all Auctions though, is surely to ‘check out’ and research/ask questions, and then ‘one’ can gain an understanding of what ‘one’ is actually buying - I take all them eBay adverts with a ‘pinch of salt’ . . Yeah, I know that the Sellers should be more ‘forth coming’ with their information, but hey - sadly we don’t live in a perfect world

On a serious note - In fact what initially drew me to this site of yours . .

Ted Smart . . Is it not the case that when Bloomsbury was first approached by an unheard off ‘pen smith’ called Joanne Katherine Rowling, they didn’t want to take any ‘risk’ and she had to also get ‘other backing’ . . This came in the form of Ted Smart, who did take the risk and helped JK get her ‘foot in the door’ with Bloomsbury - the rest is history, as they say . . If so, it seems to me that Ted Smart does not actually get the recognition he, perhaps deserves

Are you able to shed any light on this please Rod?

Right I’ll leave me coat this time, I’ll be back to pick it up later
Rod said,

November 1, 2008 @ 9:03 am

Marty
it is, as you say, wise to do research and this is what the series of articles I wrote was for.
Just to give people some information - what they do then is up to them.

The thing with HP is that a lot of people have/do collect them who do not collect books otherwise - hence them falling into these traps.
The other issue is that a lot buy them for investment !
I get tons of emails a month via another site I have from people wanting to ‘cash in’ there HP books or wondering what they are worth.
Once again this is why it is important.

I do know anything about the TS anecdote you mention Marty, first I have heard of it.
That said my knowledge of HP outside of the first edition books is very limited.
Cheers
Rod
Tracy said,

November 1, 2008 @ 11:35 pm

Reading the above comments has made me look at my Harry Potter books. My Goblet of Fire has a number line from 20 down to 1 (Bloomsbury). Does that make it a first edition?
Regards
Tracy
Rod said,

November 2, 2008 @ 8:37 am

Hi Tracy
thanks for the great comment and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return
Thta sounds about right.
The general rule is the last number or lowest number is the edition
so 1 = a first
2 a second and so forth
All the best
Rod
Philip Cowan said,

November 24, 2008 @ 12:03 am

It would seem as if the publisher of the Harry Potter books, Bloomsbury, anticipated some of the problems which have been described above.

I have three Harry Potter books, ‘the Half-Blood Prince’, ‘the Deathly Hallow’ and ‘the Order of the Phoenix’.

They all state clearly on the title page (is that the right term?) First Edition; no rows of numbers, just a bold, unambigious statement.

So, for these books at least, if it doesn’t say clearly and categorically, that it is a first edition, then it ain’t.

Hope that helps some.

Philip Cowan
Amy said,

November 30, 2008 @ 6:06 am

We bought some Harry Potter books around 2001 when my children were too small to read. We stored them in boxes and they have been in storage all this time. My husband was in the military so we moved so many times that we just now unpacked them. I have them on ebay and I am getting tons of questions. I didn’t know they were worth anything and I found your site in a google search. Here is some info on one of the books. I thought it was a fisrt edition but I am not sure now. Can you let me know what you think. Thanks, Amy
ebay # 130272352121
The book itself is red with gold lettering. ON the back of the sleeve it says A
” A DELIGHTFUL award -winning debut from an author who dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl.”
___ Publishers Weekly, starred review

The front sleeve says

Harry Potter
AND THE
SORCERER’S STONE

The binder says

ROWLING

HARRY POTTER
AND THE SORCERER’S STONE

It has a symbol that looks like a lamp / lantern

Then it has

ARTHUR A.
LEVINE BOOKS

SCHOLASTIC
PRESS

The copyright page has the dedication
then below that it has copyright 1997 by J.K. Rowling
Illustrations copyright 1998 May Grandpre

At the bottom it has
ISBN 0-590-35340-3
Printed in teh U.S.A

We bought these Harry Potter books when my daughter was a to small to read and she is 11 now. They have been in a box and have never been read.
Rod said,

November 30, 2008 @ 8:11 am

Hi Amy
I’m afraid I only deal with UK first editions I’m afraid so I could not tell you about American editions.
All the best
Rod
Ange said,

December 10, 2008 @ 4:52 am

Mr. Collins,
Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks soooo much, I found this site while doing some research on philosophers stone 1st edition. You just saved me $19.99 U.S. DOLLARS+ S&H.
Not to mention I learned all types of valuble information.
Thank you much,
Happy Holidays, Ange
Rod said,

December 10, 2008 @ 8:53 am

Hi Ange
happy to hear that the article was of some use and gave you information to allow you to make an informed decision.
Welcome to the site and hope you’ll return.
All the best
Rod
Wendy said,

December 31, 2008 @ 11:19 am

I have the green Harry Potter Prisoner Of Azkaban UK Deluxe 1st edition I think. This edition first published 1999 in great britain by bloomsbury. Copyright joanne rowling 1999. numbers 10 down to 1. Is it worth anything?
Rod said,

December 31, 2008 @ 11:49 am

Wendy,
yes it is - it’s the rarest of the deluxe editions, hang on to it !
Regards
Rod
norahs said,

January 5, 2009 @ 11:49 pm

Hello Rod

This is so confusing but your site’s great for the information to those like me who don’t know. I do have some of the HPs in storage due to house moves etc. But currently have two HP and the Order of the Phoenix all the seeming right things inside… Clays Ltd… St Ives etc. First Edition. Are these worth holding onto for the kids? They both have dust covers etc.

Kindest….

norahs
Rod said,

January 6, 2009 @ 11:10 am

Hi Norahs
I would hold onto them, there’s no reason not to.
The print runs were massive though so they’ll never really be worth a great deal I’m afraid.
In fact I can actually buy them for less than it would cost to post them
Cheers
Rod
lee said,

January 19, 2009 @ 3:29 pm

hi rod
i have a harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban deluxe edition with the green hardback cover, it says it was printed in 1999 it has the copyright to joanne rowling and has bloomsbury on the spine of the book it also has the spelling mistakes in it which are said to be in the original first editions and it has the isbn number 0 7475 4511 1 in it but atthe bottom of the copyright page it just says 10 is it worth anything or not?
Rod said,

January 19, 2009 @ 5:07 pm

Hi Lee
sounds like a 10th printing so not worth much in collectability terms I’m afraid
Best
Rod
Dave said,

February 1, 2009 @ 2:10 pm

Hello Rod,
Really appreciate your site.
I have been offered a “Ted Smart” publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone
showing a J.K. Rowling signature on the page that is headed with just the title and j.k.Rowling printed below it. “Ted Smart” in the box at the bottom of the page.
My feeling from your comments on your site is that Joanne Rowling would not sign a “Ted Smart” book as she was contracted with Bloomsbury. Is that correct?
Rod said,

February 1, 2009 @ 4:42 pm

Hi dave
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
Joanne Rowling would not sign a “Ted Smart” book as she was contracted with Bloomsbury

I wouldn’t go quite that far Dave, when she did more open signings then somebody may well have put it in front of her to sign.
As you are though I would be more cautious !
I’ve seen an aful lot of fake signatures of hers on eBay for example, one seller I used to see sold quite literally hundreds of them - those will at some point come back to the market so I would be cautious Dave.
All the best
Rod
shaz said,

February 5, 2009 @ 5:59 am

hi, i was wondering i have a copy of the prisoner of azkaban deluxe ed print no run 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 by bloomsbury copyright to joanne rowling , could this be worth anything regards
em said,

February 7, 2009 @ 6:17 pm

hello, sorry to barge in but i can’t find any info about my harry potter book. it is the sorcerer’s stone, 6th printing, red binding purple boards. the question i have is: why doesn’t it have the diamond embossing on the boards. is it a mess up or is it really a bce in desguise?
thank you so much for any info you can give me
Peter said,

February 22, 2009 @ 4:22 am

Em, the 6th printing was issued without the diamond embossing. It is not a mistake or a bce.
Syd H-B said,

February 26, 2009 @ 9:52 am

Hi Rod,

Read the blog right through with interest, everything you say reflects my previous research and I completely agree that it is scandalous that someone gets to misrepresent the potential value of a book which they are selling for investment purposes on the web. You really must keep up the good work on informing the public. - So thanks so much!

I do have a question; in your view are HARDBACK first editions (1st Impressions) only collectable or is there also a market in paperbacks - I appreciate that depending on the run size that 2nd impressions onwards can have a value - but is the size of paperback impressions too large to make them worth collecting and if not how does one get a feel for what the print runs were and how the lower cover value of the book affects its collectable value? I understand that that is a big question and the answer is really that it is just depends what someone will pay for the paper and ink but you seem to buy these things and therefore must have an idea of valuation methods without referral just to auctions - would really appreciate any tips or insight.

Kind regards

Syd H-B
Rod said,

February 26, 2009 @ 10:47 am

Hi Syd
thanks for the comment, much appreciated and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
I think paperback of the 1st and, possibly, second book definately have some value.
A serious collector will only ever want first editions and the paperback are, by definition, reprints even if they are ‘1st thus’ etc
That said, more people want a first of Philosophers than there are copies available and that can actually afford to buy one - hence they may well have to settle for the softcover 1st so it will have value, though not really great imho.

Conincidently I have some paperback 1sts here, in a box somewhere, at the moment which require some action at some point - I may stick them on eBay, see what happens and report back here - let the market decide the value as they say !

Actually that’s disingenuous because it suits me to put such things on eBay as often that market will bid a higher price than I would actually ask for in a standard sale for a fixed price.
All the best
Rod
Syd H-B said,

February 26, 2009 @ 11:49 am

Rod,

Thanks for that - and yes I can believe that eBay would have better prospects of a higher value of sale as it seems eBay buyers will pay good money for just about anything - so for a genuine 1st edition (albeit paperback) ought to find a hungry market. Will be interested to hear how you get on with selling.

Is there anywhere that someone can find out the print runs of impressions? Do the publishers produce a list perhaps?

Regards

Syd
Rod said,

February 26, 2009 @ 12:08 pm

Hi Syd
eBay is definately the place for such things or flawed copies etc. I would never put really good things on there as quality undersells but flawed things etc tend to oversell.

I wrote a bibliography a few years ago on another site of mine but it’s for hardbacks, may be of some interest though, has print runs etc
Cheers
Rod
http://www.booksellerworld.com/harry-potter.htm
vanessa said,

February 27, 2009 @ 2:47 am

Book club editions can be somewhat valuable. Usually not as much as a trade first edition. However to see they are worthless is absurd. I can think of quite a few worth several hundred dollars.
Zoe said,

March 1, 2009 @ 1:56 pm

Hi Rod,

Visited your site looking for some info on Harry Potter books and first and foremost find myself thanking you for the interesting a witty reading material throughout the site which as brightened my gloomy sunday up! Thanks! (ofcourse this equally goes out to others who have posted on the site too!)

And on to the second matter……my question is quite simple really - do you know how many first edition/first impression (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1) books were printed of each of the harry potter books?

Equally is this a standard in publishing? Or does the publisher decided how many prints to run on each impression 1-10?

Thanks for your time!
Rod said,

March 1, 2009 @ 3:35 pm

Hi Zoe
thanks for the comment, the kind words and welcome to the site.

The print run info you is available look at the comment 2 above yours and follow the link.

Print runs are based purely on estimated sales and pre orders Zoe. Some very small others large. Early Harry Potter titles had relatively small runs whilst the later ones were so large that first editions are rendered all but worthless in monetary terms, indeed when I get any of the last 3 first editions I give them away !
All the best
Rod
Janelle said,

March 4, 2009 @ 1:28 am

Hi Rod,

I have received a large print of HP Deathly Hallows as a gift. I have all the other HP lp, editions, too… but this doesn’t look like the rest…at least not completely. The pages are thinner and the font is slightly different… Where can I go to have this verified if this is indeed a true first edition or even true bloomsbury print? The book qualities have been pretty consistent and this doesn’t fit the pattern (at least in my opinion).

Thank you,
Janelle
Tyler said,

March 4, 2009 @ 1:55 am

Hi Rod,

Found your site and began reading the Harry Potter first print points.
I’ve been a collector and seller of books for many years, and Harry Potter is hands down the #1 book that’s misvalued on sites. Pile on the high ammount of forged Rowling signatures,and it can be a nightmare for the person who doesn’t know exactly what to look for. I’m with you on Ted Smart, I look at it as a Book Club Edition, and won’t touch them for collecting purposes. There are some BCE (book club) titles that can be collectible, like Stephen King’s Carrie, but very few bce titles are worth collecting.
If I had a choice of a 1st/1st Harry Potter Philosophers Ted Smart or a First Ed. Fourth Print Bloomsbury edition, I would go with the 4th print. Considering Philosophers Stone only had a 500 First edition, First print run.
I agree eBay is used to dump off several Potter titles that aren’t worth close to what they say they are. If a listing is telling you how much it’s valued at , for instance “ABE has it priced at up to $985, grab a bargain” and the seller has it at a starting price of $9.99, somethings a foul here. Also most of these book sellers on eBay are also sellers on Abebooks, and Alibris, so no wonder why the value is all over the place. I also followed that eBay seller who sold hundreds of signed Potter books, and eBay never kicked them off. If they did, they would come back with a new user id.
A big confusion for the American publication is that it states ” First American Edition” on the copyright page, and to this date I still don’t think they’ve dropped it. My favorite scam on eBay is the seller showing the copyright page with only the words First American Edition shown, and they always seem to crop the picture so you can’t see the numberline below.
The big difference between the Bloomsbury 1st/1st and the Scholastic (US) is that Bloomsbury on their First Edition/First Prints state “First Edition” Only with no numberline(Began doing this for Goblet of Fire and later titles) . Subsequent reprints would start with a numberline beginning with “2″ and the “First Edition” statement dropped. Scholastic uses a 10-1 numberline and never drops the “First American Edition” statement, but removes the lowest number as a new printing comes out.
For those concerened about signed Rowling books in the US market there’s a couple of things to know. Rowling stopped doing US tours in 2000, (except in 2007 for her limited tour, but they also placed a authentication sticker in every signed copy she did). So, if you see a signed Order of the Phoenix, probably fake, same goes for Half Blood Prince. Prisoner of Azkaban is when she really took off over here, and that was her last major signing. Something to notice is when she did that tour the book had just been released so most signed copies should be First Edition, First Prints (10-1 numberline).
American book club editions have black boards, with some color to the spine. For instance Sorcerers Stone is Black boards , Maroon spine, with no diamond pattern, and no price on the dust jacket.
When looking for a UK Bloomsbury First Edition, First Print of Goblet of Fire I would recommend that you locate a Omnia printed edition. For some odd reason Bloomsbury did a small first printing in Glasgow at the same time doing the Ives printing. Both are Bloomsbury, but just printed in different places. The Omnia printing made up only like 15% of the entire First Edition, First Print run, while Ives printed the remaining.
Didn’t mean to take up a whole page on my rant, but I think it’s great that your doing this, I hate the fact that people are being scammed on books, that’s not what collecting is about.
You want to hear something that will make you cringe, I met Stephenie Meyer when Twilight first came out, I was 1 of maybe 10 people at the event, she was a nobody. I had 5 signed 1st edition, 1st prints and sold them for $45. I let the market determine there value at the time, and that’s what the market was for them. Valued now around $500.
Rod said,

March 4, 2009 @ 9:11 am

Hi Janelle
I know nothing of the large print editions I’m afraid
Sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Rod said,

March 4, 2009 @ 9:18 am

Hi Tyler
thanks for taking the time to leave such an outstanding comment and welcome to the site.

I think it’s great that your doing this, I hate the fact that people are being scammed on books
The information in your comment will add greatly to this post and, given the number of peoplle who look at this page every day, help a great number of people as well.

Thanks again for the contribution Tyler
All the best
Rod
stephen legate said,

April 13, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

hi..just found this site..as i was hoping to start coleecting the harry potter deluxe books..i have not bought any yet..but have been on ebay looking..there are alot of first editions from goblet of fire up to the latest..priced around 30 to 50 pounds..they all have first edition on them..so does this mean there worrth there price tag at the moment..i gather even tho they are first edition..with no number run..there was a lot of them published so they will only be worth what u pay..believe retail was 30 pounds on these books.At the moment there is a chamber of secrets deluxe starting at 149 pounds on ebay..first edition number 10 to 1..someone else has one at 199 pounds or best offer..are these worth that amount..i know there was 17,000 made of the first edition.Someone is also selling the deluxe prisoner of azkaban for 1000 pounds 1st edition..10 down to 1 numberd..is that steep would u say?..i couldnt afford that kind money anyway..but was intrested in the chamber of secrets..and was going to buy the first edition goblet of fire, followed by the remaing books..and probaly just try to get a first edition 2nd print of the first two..at a cheaper price…what would u reccomend i should do?..i just bought the 3rd book in the triology of the golden compass which was made into a film..1st edition 1st prrint hardback for 29.99..it does not look like it will be made into a film tho..i am after the 1st book..but first edition selling at 1000 pounds since it got made into golden compass..but there is a first edition 4th print signed by the auther on ebay starting at 20 pounds..which i think is a good price..northern lights ..thats the name of the book over here in the uk..which was named golden compass in usa..anyway any thoghts or advice would be great..thanx

stephen
Rod said,

April 13, 2009 @ 7:10 pm

Hi Stephen
they certainly printed plenty of the later titles so they shouldn’t cost that much to buy.
The first 3 will cost more with Azkaban (the green one as it used to be referred by dealers) being the rarest and will be expensive.

Whether it’s worth bothering if you’re not going to get a fulll set is personal preference Stephen. You could get firsts of as many as possible and reprints of the more expensive titles if that’s the way you wanted to go.

Buying reprints is a tricky area, I personally don’t hold them in particularly high regard.
It’s not being elitist simply that collectors really want first editions so anything else is . . .
For expensive books then getting an early reprint is viable if a first is financially unappealing - just don’t spend too much on reprints would be my own personal opinion.

As an aside I remember selling 2 or 3 dozen copies of Philip Pullman’s Subtle Knife for £25 a copy !!!!!
And several copies of Northern Lights for sub 50 quid !
All signed 1st editions
Cheers
Rod
stephen legate said,

April 14, 2009 @ 12:44 pm

ok thanx..hmm it is tricky as you say..i will see4 what i can do..but i think the last 3 first editions are worth what u pay for them, but want go up in value as there was more made.
But i may try to get first editions of the chambers…
thats bad luck with the philip pullman books…subtle knife is the one am afterr next as want be as expensive as northern lights..am buying some signed books first edition phillip taylor..shadowmancer..u heard of this tiltle..it is being madfe into a film..ive a feeling it could be a good investment.Its a real shame the subtle knife will not be made into a film..unless they change minds..i really enjoyed the golden compass film…i ha not read the booksd..so it looks like only way i would gety to know the rest of the story.
stephen legate said,

April 14, 2009 @ 12:59 pm

me again..just thought id ask you about this…northern lights 1st edition 1st pressing..ex liabry book..so does have wear where it was stamped..starting at 299 pounds..its item number 320359153598 on ebay.Is it worth that price as its ex liabry?
stephen legate said,

April 17, 2009 @ 5:15 pm

can i have some advise please..ive got a deal if i accept with a book dealer..for the set of harry potter deluxe books..the first five are all first editions..but later printings..the next two are first/first..they are all signed by j k rowling..and have the holagram of authenticy in them..there all new unread…total 4250 pounds..i would be in a legal agreement as am paying some up front and then instalments by direct debit until paid for…do u think this is a good price?..thanx
Rod said,

April 17, 2009 @ 6:45 pm

Hi Stephen
I wouldn’t really be ethical for me to comment on another dealers prices.
Ultimately it’s up to you as to what price you feel comfortable with.
Sorry not to be more help
Rod
Nicola Nunn said,

April 18, 2009 @ 7:41 pm

Hi, Interesting thread. I have a first ed Deluxe ed Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone with the 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 run, as you have mentioned on this thread the values on the internet vary widely I was wondering what your thoughts were on the long term value of HP books do you think value will continue to rise with time (my copy is un-read mint condition and I have no real desire to sell at this current time) thanks.
Rod said,

April 19, 2009 @ 7:35 am

Hi Nicola,
welcome to the site.
I woldn’t tecommend paying too much attention to the prices you see on the internet. People so often use this as a valuation guide nowadays and it’s flawed in two major ways.

1: It’s not what’s it’s worth because by definition it’s still there and for sale, the whole world can see it but nobody has bought it !

2: Anybody who lists on the like of ABEBooks, Biblio, AntiqBook, WorldBookMarket, Amazon etc etc can list the book at whatever price they want - I couldput one on the et tomorrow for £1 million.

As to long term, I think they do bode well for the future, providing they are first editions.
A whole generation of young readers out there are growing up with HP and one day a peercentage of those will be books collectors and they won’t want Enid Blyton or Antiquarian Books, they’ll want Harry Potter First Editions, in my opinion that is.
Cheers
Rod
Ania said,

April 19, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

Hey, Rod

Being an Ebayer myself, I am considering selling my Harry Potter Books. Two of them say they are 1st edition but i can’t find the number line, one doesn’t say 1st edition but has what appears to me as some sort of number line.
Av been looking up a lot about this subject and some websites say if you keep your books for longer they will have a greater value in the future, but i very much doubt they are the 1st of the 1st editions. So am looking for some advice, should i sell my books right now for a normal reading price or keep them stored in the attic in hopes of the price value rising (if ever)?

Thanks
Rod said,

April 19, 2009 @ 3:43 pm

Hi Ania
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site. I couldn’t advise whether to sell or hold I’m afraid - it’s a gamble that only you can take.
If they are the later titles then they were printed in huge numbers so are unlikely to ever have any real value I suspect.
I tried to give away a first edition of Order of the Phoenix on this site in a free competition and nobody wanted it - not even with free delivery ! !!
Best
Rod
John Lynch said,

April 20, 2009 @ 11:21 am

Rod,

I have a copy of The Prisoner Of Azkaban which has the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 and has copyright to ‘joanne rowling’ and not JK Rowling.. As it is not a deluxe edition I suspect that it is not worth a great deal. What makes the deluxe editions valuable?
Rod said,

April 20, 2009 @ 8:05 pm

Hi John
if it’s a first it is collectable. The Deluxe version has a high value because of the short print run, it’s rarer than all the other ones which means people will pay more to complete their deluxe sets
Cheers
Rod
Ryan said,

April 20, 2009 @ 11:42 pm

I am learning about the market for Harry Potter books but am finding hard to locate many Philosopher’s Stone copies that aren’t a 5th printing or later. I realize that the 1st printing was limited but is it safe to assume that the 2nd and 3rd printings would be much larger? I see 1st printing deluxe editions all over the place for stone, chamber, and azkaban and their printings should be on level with a 2nd or 3rd of the bloomsbury philosopher’s stone right?

ps-did you ever get into that box of stone pb firsts? I would be interested!
Rod said,

April 21, 2009 @ 8:50 am

Hi Ryan
it’s not safe to assume that later print runs were larger, often I would expect the reverse in fact. The first are thinner on the ground because collectors want them and not reprints.
That’s a general rule of course.
Philosopher’s was a small initial print run though, presuming you’re talking about the trade first and not the deluxe.
Best
Rod
martin asquith said,

April 21, 2009 @ 1:45 pm

Hi

Great site

Read with interest all the comments on this topic and have to say I have bought 2 Ted Smarts from Ebay for a total of £40. 1 each of the first 2 books in hardback

Also got a 1/1 paperback Bloomsbury Prisoner of Azkaban in v good nick paid £9.99, I presume the Prisoner is the more valuable in your opinion

Cheers
Rod said,

April 22, 2009 @ 8:47 am

Hi Martin
I can’t really comment on the vlaue of the Ted Smart’s I’m afraid. Personally I see their value in readability only but people will buy them on eBay etc so technically they do have a value.

The paperback is really a prime example of what the riginal thread ws about. I don’t know the exact ddescription of the auction etc but at £9.99 possibly a maiden and winning bid so possibly markedted as a first edition ?
Whilst it may be the first time it was issued in paperback, it’s a later title, printed in vast numbers so that doesn’t make to really collectable I believe - others may disagree of course.

They can be bought online for less than £1, on Amazon possibly 0.1p I’m afraid Martin.
This is what some of the eBay sellers do. Buy them for pennies, market it them as:

Mega Rare First Edition

And ten-fold the price.
Thanks for commenting Martin and welcome to the site
All the best
Rod
Mike said,

April 29, 2009 @ 10:46 pm

Hi Rod, very interesting site. I have a JK Rowling book and wondered if it’s of any value above it’s retail. The details are as follows:-

Hard back (dark blue)
Gold print on spine only
JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
ISBN 978 0 7475 9106 1
First Edition
Rod said,

April 30, 2009 @ 8:00 am

Hi Mike,
Thanks fo rthe comment and welcome to the site
value is less than cover price I’m afraid, they were sold in huge numbers, Asda sold pallet loads of first editions for £5 each.
Sorry to disappoint
Best
Rod
stephen legate said,

May 7, 2009 @ 2:46 pm

hi again
am looking at getting all the deluxe first/first prints…the set..all signed by the illastrator who done the front covers..i am hoping to get jk rowling signed bookplates to go with them..this would be a good investment if i get at a good price..?..if am really lucky i may be able to get them signed by jk rowling..i do know someone who may be able to get them signed by her..id probaly have to pay him…but it would put my books up in value..
also there are chamber of secrets and phillosephers stone first/first both with dust covers signed by jk rowling..they are both australian editions..and they are at 499 or best offer for chambers and 599 or best offer for phillosephers..what u think of the pricers as these are lovely new unread books..but just because there australian noone seems intrested?..if they were uk..they be worth alot more..and the australian chamber4s has a dust jacket where the uk edition did not?..intresting…
Rod said,

May 7, 2009 @ 5:41 pm

Hi Stephen,
I couldn’t comment on investment potential, it wouldn’t be right. As the risk is yours so should be the decision. There are factors which could make them either a good investment or a bad one - with no way of knowing which way it will go.

I personally only deal with UK first editions so don’t know about overseas ones, that said the UK, as with most authors, edition is usually far more collectable.
best
Rod
Asch said,

May 15, 2009 @ 12:32 am

Hi there Rod,

I’ve had the Bloomsbury First Ed 1st print run of the 1st three books from a few years ago but never realised they were worth anything, they were just books my dad bought me to read as far as I was concerned!
I now also have the First Edition (as no print run is printed anywhere on the page) on the last two books. Somewhere along the line I lost my ‘Goblet of Fire’ and ‘Order of the Pheonix’ books but i’ve just bought the latter (First Edition - assuming 1st print too) for a mere £5.00!
Am I correct in thinking that all I now need is the First Edition 1st print run of book four and I would have a collection worth quite a bit? (dependant on the market of course)!

Cheers!
Asch
Rod said,

May 15, 2009 @ 8:23 am

Hi Asch
you are indeed correct in your thinking, congratulations !
Cheers
Rod
Charlotte said,

May 20, 2009 @ 5:32 pm

Hello,

So are the Ted Smart books not worth anything?

I have a 1st edition 3rd printing, Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone, published my Ted Smart.
It also says Joanne Rowling on the Copyright.
It is a hard back and has never been read, hence perfect condition.

Is this worth anything?

Thanks
Rod said,

May 20, 2009 @ 6:09 pm

Hi Charlotte,
in my opinion the book has no real value I’m afraid - that said it may go reasonably well on eBay.
Cheers
Rod
Greg said,

May 20, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

Tyler commented that most copies of Azkaban and Chamber signed in the US were First Printings. I have to disagree here.
The 11th printing of Chamber was heavy on shelves, as was the 3rd printing of Azkaban.

Also - Ian is incorrect about the Ted Smart books being released simultaneously.
The review/quote on the covers of those have a later quote.
The only thing available in the Summer 97 was the Cooling quote on the bottom of the cover… so those things were printed much later.
Charlotte said,

May 21, 2009 @ 9:23 pm

I do have a First Edition (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1) Harry potter and the Prizoner of Askaban book - perfect condition.
How much do you think this is worth if i took it to a auction or a book seller that specialises in First Editions?

Thanks
name said,

May 22, 2009 @ 7:21 pm

Hi i love the site its very interesting, im not a expert but all this talk of numbers is really interesting i just wondering just it not just say 1st edition on the first few pages , so without the 10 9 8 etc does this not indicate that it is in fact a 1st edition
Lorraine
Rod said,

May 23, 2009 @ 8:41 am

Hi Charlotte,
we cant value books without seeing them or here on the site I’m afraid - sorry about that

All the best
Rod
Rod said,

May 23, 2009 @ 8:44 am

Lorraine
thanks for the comment, not all the books have the number line - some simply state
First Edition
If it has the line of numbers though it has to have the 1 to be a 1st.
Search online for
Harry Potter Bibliography
And check out the Bookseller World website - it will give you plenty of information
Cheers
Rod
Paul. said,

May 25, 2009 @ 3:58 pm

I bought this today… Thinking I had bought well. But after reading your site I am now a little worried. please view:

Have I been “gullible” Thanks Paul.
Rod said,

May 25, 2009 @ 4:20 pm

Hi Paul
Have I been “gullible”
that depends on what you thought when you bought it Paul.

Obviously it’s not a first edition as that was printed in 1997 by Bloomsbury but if you bought it knowingly as a reprint, at a price you’re happy with and as a viable alternative to a very expensive first then that’s OK I would say.
Cheers
Rod
Paul. said,

May 25, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

Hi Rod, Thanks for your message…
Having read all your messages on the site, what do you think I should have paid, only in your opinion? This will let me know if I should smile or cry…
Thanks
Paul..
Rod said,

May 25, 2009 @ 5:55 pm

Hi Paul,
I wouldn’t like to say exactly what is worth I’m afraid - I only really have experience of first editions - I’ve never sold the TS editions etc.
The value is subjective anyway as it would fetch more than it’s really worth if listed on eBay as a 1st for example - so what is it’s true value ?
Best
Rod
Paul. said,

May 25, 2009 @ 8:56 pm

Evening Rob, Thanks again for your email. Understand you woundnt like to say. Please drop me an email off the website. Many Thanks Paul.
Charlotte said,

May 31, 2009 @ 12:21 am

I understand you may not be able to give a rough price without seeing the book, but please could you give me a guide price if i went to a good book shop that specialises in first editions.
The top right of the cover had a 2mmX2mm crease where it is a tad worn and the same for the bottom right although it is abit bigger at around 5mmX5mm . On the spine it is in perfect condition apart from a 4mmX3mm tear of the black paper at the bottom, where it has just peeled off a little bit.
Although it is still hanging there on the corner.
Inside there is no creases, ect - as it has never been read.
It is a paperback copy or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban.

In the First edition of the HP-3 there are 3 kind of states - Mine is the second state.
It says J K Rowling in the copyright page - the text on the first story page is corrected and re-alligned.
And also it says printed by Clays Ltd - but the later first editions dont.

Please could you give me a rough estimate?

Thanks
Julie said,

June 20, 2009 @ 6:19 pm

Hi Paul

After reading the numerous threads about Ted Smart books, I get the drift that they are not very valuable. However my Ted Smart hardback edition of the Philosophers Stone was printed incorrectly - the cover has been attached back to front!

Will this make a difference?

Thanks
Mel Taylor said,

June 26, 2009 @ 5:38 am

Hi Rod,
long-time reader, first-time first edition holder. Possibly.
I have a copy of Bloomsbury edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with the numbers 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page. Singed JK Rowling on the blank fly leaf but no inscription. Condition looks good to me except a little tear on the upper left edge of the dust jacket, visible from side view but not from front

Does the tear make it a “flawed” copy suitable for ebay or should I get professional help?
I read through all the comments and I am starting to think I should be excited.

thanks for any guidance,
mel
Rod said,

June 26, 2009 @ 7:54 am

Hi Mel
thanks for the comment and welcome to hte site
It is technically flawed as it’s a ‘flaw’ and ideally books of this age should be absolutley fine copies.
That said, it sounds like you’ve got a good book there - congratulations
You could always look out far a fine jacket if it bothers you
Best
Rod
Geni said,

June 29, 2009 @ 12:39 am

Hi Rod,

A few months ago in February you mentioned that you might sell your paperback first editions/first printings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Is that still your intention? If so, how might I purchase a copy?

Many thanks,

Geni
Rod said,

June 29, 2009 @ 8:04 am

Hi Geri
I was actually referring to various titles not just the first book, I haven’t sorted them out yet - it’s far too sunny.
If I do anything with them I may stick them on this site instead of anywhere else - just as an experiment if nothing else.
Thanks for the interest Geri and for taking tim eto comment
All the best
Rod
Jasmin said,

July 9, 2009 @ 9:02 pm

Hi all,

I wonder if my 2 Harry Potter and the Philiosopher’s Stone may be actually worth anything?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - softcover (good condition)
——————————————-
Copyright (c) Text Joanne Rowling 1997
Copyright (c) Cover illustration Thomas Taylor 1997
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc
40 39 38 37 36 35

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - hardcover (good condition), Large Print Edition
——————————————-
This edition first published in Great Britain in 2001
Copyright (c) Text Joanne Rowling 1997
Copyright (c) Cover illustration Thomas Taylor 1997
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc
Typeset by Dorchester Typesetting
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Rod said,

July 10, 2009 @ 5:28 pm

Hi Jasmin,
they’re both reprints I’m afraid - the first one is actually a 35th edition !
The value lies only in their readability I’m afraid
All the best
Rod
Jasmin said,

July 10, 2009 @ 9:05 pm

Thanks Rod, I really appreciate your help!
Mowgli88 said,

July 16, 2009 @ 5:38 pm

Hey, loving the blog.

My question is -

I have a PAPERBACK version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that is a first edition, second state.
(The numbers go 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 and the copyright is to J. K. Rowling) It is in very good condition.

Do you have any idea of its value now and what it would be worth if it was signed by JK herself?

Thanks
Rod said,

July 16, 2009 @ 8:04 pm

Hi Mowgli,
for lots of reasons we can’t really get into specific valuations I’m afraid - but the value if were signed would be very much higher, unsigned it has only a nominal value
All the best
Rod
emma said,

July 18, 2009 @ 9:48 pm

Hi guys

I have a prisoner of azkaban.
It says Bloomsbury on the side.

However, the line in the copyright page says: 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33

How much would this be worth?
And is it first edition?
I have been told it is, as the cover and so matches the description but now I’m not so sure.

Please help.
Rod said,

July 19, 2009 @ 7:53 am

Hi Emma,
thanks for commenting and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
It is not a first edition I’m afraid - in fact it has been reprinted 32 times before your copy - sorry about that.
We don’t give valuations as such Emma - but in this case a couple of £ or so - reading value only I’m afraid.
Best
Rod
Nancy said,

July 20, 2009 @ 4:59 am

Hi Rod,

Thanks for all the info! Its been really helpful.

My question is similar to Em’s from February.

I also have the sixth printing of Sorcerer’s stone (US) and I was just wondering if you had any info about why this printing was done with out the embossed diamonds on the boards. It still has the standard purple boards, red binding, so I know it is not the bookclub edition, but I was just hoping you might be able to tell me something about why it does not have the diamonds.

Thanks!!

Nancy
Rod said,

July 20, 2009 @ 8:07 am

Hi Nancy,
I only deal in UK first editions I’m afraid ~ I know little to nothing about American reprints, very sorry, maybe somebody else can chime in and help
All the best
Rod
Sam Amison said,

July 20, 2009 @ 10:15 pm

This definitely is not the first edition because all of this matches my copy of the book apart from the Joanna Rowling bit.
Kez said,

July 22, 2009 @ 10:38 am

Hi Rod,

I am writing on behalf of my nephew from whom I have borrowed the first four Harry Potter books. Theyre in a box set, and after reading briefly through this thread I would be interested to know the value of the books.

In the first book of the series it says:

copyright J.K.Rowling
Cover Illustrations Thomas Taylor

It also says copyright and trademark Warner Bros 2000

All four of the books say that.

I am not too clued up on the whole ‘edition numbers’ thing sorry!
The numbers at the bottom of the page are as follows for each book…

Philosophers stone - 28 29 30
Chamber of secrets - 30 29 28
Azkaban - 30 29 28

And finally Goblet of Fire differs from the other edition numbers as it says - 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22

As I mentioned above, the books are in a boxset and are all hardbacks with dustjackets in excellent condition.

I would appreciate any information on the value of these. Thanks for your time.
Rod said,

July 22, 2009 @ 5:30 pm

Hi Kez
they’re all late reprints I’m afraid - sorry about that.
All the best
Rod
kez said,

July 22, 2009 @ 9:06 pm

Hi Rod,

Thanks for your help. Greatly appreciated. I didnt think that my questions had actually been posted on here because it wouldnt work for some reason, so I have sinced emailed you with the same information. Please dismiss that email.

Thanks again.
Greg said,

July 24, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

Regarding the 6th printing USA Azkaban book:
This happens sometimes in production.
The 6th printing of Sorcerer’s Stone is often seen without the embossed diamond pattern.
Maybe worth a bit more to the right person, but most simply want 1st printings of Years 2 & 3 since they are easily found here in the States.
Phil said,

July 24, 2009 @ 8:37 pm

Hi There, I have a paperback of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone 5th print Wendy Cooling. Is there any value in this book. I have other books what would be the best site or place to get an accurate evaluation. Thanks
Rod said,

July 25, 2009 @ 8:22 am

Hi Phil,
we don’t value people’s books here I’m afraid - I would stick it on ebay if I were you. You’ll get the best price there as it’s a reprint.
Cheers
Rod
Rod said,

July 25, 2009 @ 8:24 am

Please Note to All - As Continually Mentioned

We Do Not Give Specific Valuations - Sorry
Jack said,

July 28, 2009 @ 4:43 pm

Hi
i got a few harry potter books.
i got like 4 coppies of the deathly hallows they all say “FIRST EDITION” (1 Of them has only been opened to check the edition)
i got order of the phenix which says the same,
and i also got the half blood prince which says the same “FIRST EDITION”.
i was wondering if any1 knew anything about their value
thanks
Aoibheann said,

August 5, 2009 @ 1:03 am

Hiya,

I really like your site, very interesting! I just wanted to say something about Tyler’s comment- left sometime in March I think! He said that JK Rowling didn’t sign anything after Prisoner of Azkaban, and if she did it has a sticker on it. Thats not true! I actually met her last year, when she came out to my university (UCD, Ireland), to receive the James Joyce Award from my society (The L&H- Literary and Historical Society). As I was social secretary at the time I was in charge of accompanying her for the night. Anyway, her interview, which can be read about here;

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/a-new-hope-for-harry-1288411.html
http://www.ucd.ie/news/2008/02FEB08/130208_jk_rowling.html

was in front of about 700people, after which she agreed to sign a limited number of books. After filtering and whittling down, about 50 people had their books signed- most of which were First Edition Deathly Hallows (I was standing at the table the whole time and saw all the books). So there are definitely a limited number of later books which have indeed been signed without stickers… But they’re all probably located in Ireland (for those who are looking on ebay)- In fact, I think I even still have a list of the names of all the people who made the cut into the room to get their books signed!

I hope this helps anyway!

-Aoibheann

P.S. I did get my book signed (Prisoner of Azkaban- it’s my favourite one!), but it’s a Ted Smart (1st ed though)! Ha! It wouldn’t matter anyway because its a personalised message (which I now hear is absolutely unheard of from JK!)- it says “To Aoibheann, with many thanks for everything, JK Rowling” and, whether it’s sellable or not, that makes it absolutely priceless to me! (And I don’t think I’d ever want to sell it anyway!)

P.P.S if you do have some more first edition later books you’d like to give away, please put them up on your site- I’d love some spare ones for leaving in my holiday home!
ROSH said,

August 8, 2009 @ 7:08 am

Well, I value Ted Smart books, though they are being talked down thet have far more value then some of those recent bloomsbury ones, and they can be known as first edition, because they have all the text and picture errors of the orginal bloomsbury ones, which gives them that little extra value, with text error Joanne Rowling and the young boy wizard smoking a pipe as well as other text errors.
Jo said,

August 13, 2009 @ 11:18 am

Hi
I have Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets in paperback with the title in shiny silver.
The ISBN is 0 7475 6218 0 and with numbers underneath that go from 10 to 1
Would this be a first edition? If so, would it be valuable?
Thanks, really good website!
Rod said,

August 14, 2009 @ 7:56 am

Hi Jo
with that printers key of 10 down to 1 it sounds like a paperback ‘first edition’. The ‘proper’ first edition was, of course, a hardback
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site
Rod
Babbs said,

August 14, 2009 @ 10:31 pm

Hi Rod,
Wow I must say I have learn’t alot tonight reading all these posts.
Thanks ever so much, it’s great.
Regards
Babbs
Babbs said,

August 15, 2009 @ 12:03 am

200372209775 ebay is this for real??????
Rod said,

August 15, 2009 @ 8:05 am

Hi Babbs
thnaks for the comment, welcome to the site and pleased you find it of some interest.
Re the auction you mention, laughable of course - note how it’s also a paperback at least it’s not. . .
“an early 27th printing”
Best
Rod
Andrew Gregory said,

August 15, 2009 @ 12:54 pm

I have two books harry potter and the Deathly hallows and the Half blood prince. at bottim of book all they say is…..

first edition but does not have any other numbers apart from isbn one. first edition is printed between typeset by….

am going to sell both but wanted confirmation that these are first print first edition.

thanks Andy
Rod said,

August 15, 2009 @ 1:39 pm

Andy,
those two books are without numberline and simply state ‘First Edition’
Let us know how selling them goes as it will be of interest - I personally have given numerous copies away, indeed the last few went in the bin as no body even wanted them for nothing.
Cheers
Rod
Andrew Gregory said,

August 15, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

so does it mean first print too? always thought a number was printed after or below first edition on next runs like 123456789101011 etc
Rod said,

August 15, 2009 @ 5:17 pm

Andy,
yes it does mean that. The printers key or numberline is simply a device used byy certainpublishers as and when they choose to do so. I imagine the publishers went to First Edition as they knew it would be more obvious to the uninitiated and would perhaps increase sales amongst those thinking it was collectable or an investment etc
Cheers
Rod
John said,

August 19, 2009 @ 2:41 pm

Great site,

Was just after some advice; been offered a HP chamber of secrets pb 1st ed. 1st print signed but no COA is it worth anything much or should I hold out? As far as I know its good condition and Bloomsbury…

Cheers
Rod said,

August 19, 2009 @ 6:16 pm

Hi John,
only you can decide on paperbacks, personally I would only buy one if I knew I either; could not or would not pay for a proper hardback first edition - as to COAs they’re worthless unless from a eminent expert in the field.
Anybody can print them off - most fake autographs in the autograph picture market come with a COA.
Cheers
Rod
Alana said,

August 26, 2009 @ 7:51 am

Hi!

What a great site you have. While on holiday my partner and I discovered my old Harry potter collection in Dad’s book shelf. My “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” has a print code of 10 down to 1, illustrated by Thomas Taylor 1997 bloomsbury (Printed & Bound in australia) It is a soft copy without dust cover and glossy laminated finish. It also has a border with stars around the picture on the front. Have i stumbled upon a first edition? No pictures online seem to match mine. If so what would it be worth?
Rod said,

August 26, 2009 @ 8:29 am

Hi Alana,
Pleased you like the site - welcome and I hope you’ll return.
sounds like an Australian edition and I only deal with UK first editions I’m afraid so I wouldn’t be best placed to offer advice I’m afraid - sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Maggie said,

September 11, 2009 @ 8:43 pm

Hi Rod, I have been looking at ebay and would like to buy a first edition. I am not a gullable person that is why I am trying to research and find out about first editions before I will part with my money. I see that ebay have many first editions which I guess are not by reading all the comments above.
Can you give me an so guidance on what to look for please. I noticed that you knowledgable and that goes a long way!
Appreciate your help
Thanks
Maggie
Mike said,

September 22, 2009 @ 9:50 pm

Hi Rod, great site, I got alot of excellent info out of it, and enjoyed it too, keep up the good work!
jonathan said,

October 1, 2009 @ 6:12 am

Hi Rod,
I just wanna ask if my HP books have worth? I have a Harry Potter 6 and 7. All first edition published by Bloomsburry and has a print code from 10-1. Is it worth collecting for and should I keep it? Thanks
Rod said,

October 1, 2009 @ 8:37 am

Hi Jonathan,
welcome to the site.
They may lack commercial value but they are still a pleasure to own and collect.
Best
Rod
Mike said,

October 23, 2009 @ 7:39 am

Hi Rod

Great site, thank you for all the relevant information. I guess my HB of the Philosphers Stone is not really collectable. Its in excellant condtion (no creases on the cover or spine wear, looks like its just come out of a box) with the young dumbledore on the back, Bloomsbury printing, it has no run down of numbers just the number 10 on the bottom.

I take that its a 1st edtion but 10th reprint of little value.
Rod said,

October 23, 2009 @ 9:33 am

Hi Mike,
welcome to tthe site
I take that its a 1st edtion but 10th reprint of little value
That’s about it I would think Mike - sorry about that
All the best
Rod
NMBullRdr said,

October 29, 2009 @ 8:27 pm

I have a complete collection (Books 1-7) of the Bloomsbury Harry Potter Deluxe Editions, all first edition/first printings (including Prisoner of Azkaban). I know you do not give valuations, but if I wanted to part with the set, would it be best to approach an auction house or a book dealer? Thanks!
Rod said,

October 30, 2009 @ 8:31 am

I would speak to both. The dealer has to make a profit on them but then so does the suction house and at auction there’s always the risk of a low price for several reasons.
It’s impossible to say which route is best I’m afraid - sorry about that
Cheers
Rod
simon said,

November 4, 2009 @ 1:14 pm

i have bought order of the phoenix 0747551006
deadly hallows 9780747591054
half blood prince 07475810088
all 1st editions and in good conditions
all hard back
are they worth anything?
cheers
Mark Allen said,

December 4, 2009 @ 12:06 pm

Hi Rod,

I’ve stumbled across this interesting forum whilst researching 1st editions for sale as an investment.

I notice you first wrote in 2006 - I’m amazed that the same ebayer is still active, using the same “at £350.00 it was TOO EXPENSIVE! …. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED…… .” line.

Here is one of his/her recent sales
[site owner edited]
was the buyer ripped off? The seller seems to have several of these identical packages for sale, he/she also hides his/her location, choosing “Ye Olde England” instead of town or city, amazingly the feedback score is impressive.

Anyyway, after reading the messages here, I’m now too scared to buy on ebay, so where is the safest place to buy my investment.

Thanks,

Mark
Mark Allen said,

December 4, 2009 @ 12:16 pm

Here is another from this seller, why is this not a good buy?

[site owner edited]

Thanks,

Mark
Rod said,

December 4, 2009 @ 12:44 pm

Hi Mark,
thanks for the comments, much appreciated. I’ve had to edit out the actual auction link, the link will be dead shortly anyway when the auction finishes.

You’ll note one of the cunning ploys in these auctions is not to mention the publication date !
A lot of people are simply buying brand new books and selling then as collectable.
Feedback will tend to be good Mark as anybody who knows what they are doing simply wouldn’t buy such things or from such an auction.

Sadly people who are inexperienced are getting caught which is why I wrote the original post
The safest place to buy is from a reputable dealer Mark - at this point you’d normally say it might cost you a bit more but amusingly in these sorts of cases probably less and you’d get the real thing !

Best
Rod
Andrew said,

December 22, 2009 @ 4:48 pm

Hey Rod,

I’m looking into buying a first edition, first print deluxe edition of Philosopher’s Stone as a present for an avid Potter fan. The inside of the book I’m looking to buy states…

This edition first published in Great Britain in 1999
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc…
Copyright J.K. Rowling 1997
…
Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd…
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Is this what I’m looking for? Would I need more information to determine its authenticity as a first edition first print? And I realize you can’t give value on this forum but can you tell me what you would pay for such a book if you did not have one and wanted one?

Thanks,
Andrew
Rod said,

December 22, 2009 @ 6:22 pm

Hi Andrew,
yep that sounds OK to me, obviously I’ve not seen it but the number line is the key.
As to value I tend to steer clear of that but if a collector wanted a really fine one then I’d have thought about £500 should be enough to get one - perhaps a bit less
Cheers
Rod
John said,

January 6, 2010 @ 4:12 am

Dear Ron,

I read your website and found it interesting. I have a “First edition” hardcover of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This book has several printing errors with whole words missing at places. Even the formatting is defective at places. The last line at places is very close to the edge of the book and at one place the last two words are cut off from page 451. There are also printing ink marks over some pages. Would this make the book valuable?

I also have another “First Edition” of the same title which is in new unread condition. It is a mispressed book with pages 721-760 missing. Otherwise the book is tight and well bound. Both books are published by Bloomsbury.

I also have the first 3 title deluxe editions, unread copies with publishing date 1999 with the number line being 10 9 8 7. I eagerly await your reply. Best regards, John
Simon said,

January 10, 2010 @ 7:28 pm

Hi Rod,

Very useful information on your post - well done ! I have all the UK, regular HP first editions, first printings of the Bloomsbury books, apart from Philosopher’s Stone of course (although I have the 1st ed, 4th printing) ! My question is simple and I don’t think you can answer it, but please have a go. I am concerned that this thirst for HP 1st edition books is only going to last another few years (at least until the last film has appeared) and then the prices of these will plummet. I am seriously considering selling my collection this year, purely for this fact.

I see these fads all the time, and the spark is always Ebay. In 10 years time, HP will be just a distant memory and will be worth a few quid only (with the possible exception of Philosophers Stone 1st printing, which should hold it’s value due to the tiny quantities available)

Thought ?

Simon
Rod said,

January 11, 2010 @ 8:43 am

Hi Simon,
I think they’ll be popular with collectors, I also think long term they’ll be sound as the kids that grew up with them age some will turn into collectors and they’ll want the books.

I expect all these so called ‘firsts’ will/have collapsed in value (they only really sell on eBay anyway)

The one point worth noting, as a book dealer I’ve handled a lot of these books, people always wanted them.
I used to get a lot of emails asking for them - I no longer get that at all !
Quite telling !
All the best
Rod
Rosie said,

January 17, 2010 @ 12:53 pm

Hi Rod, this is a really great informative website.
I have a Bloomsbury copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the inside cover. It is a well-read paperback. Would you be able to tell me if it is worth anything?
Thanks, Rosie
Rod said,

January 17, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

Hi Rosie,
we can’t really do valuations I’m afraid but I would doubt the book has much value by the sounds of it - sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Freddie said,

January 31, 2010 @ 7:00 pm

Hi Rod,

I have a 1st edition (10-1 numbers), read a few times copy of Chamber of Secrets. I popped into a bookshop in London, who said in mint condition it would be worth approx £1500, but as it is slightly damaged and minus dust cover, the owner said it would be worth approx £500 - £600.

Just wondering if you thought this was a good price. I want to sell it, do you think I could do better than that price?

Great site by the way,

Freddie
Rod said,

January 31, 2010 @ 7:34 pm

Hi freddie,
it wouldn’t be right of me to offer advice on value as such but I suspect the bookshop owner may well have been talking about retail value - possibly not what he would offer you for that copy.
It does need to be a fine copy and any damage really does bring the price down.
Fine copies are not rare so serious collectors would settle for nothing less hence dramatic price drops for what seems like minor damage . . .

I’ve just actually noticed you say no jacket Freddie, well that really does collapse the price I’m afraid, I’m sure a London bookshop must be either confused or did not see the actual book.
Best
Rod
Simon said,

February 1, 2010 @ 1:48 pm

Freddie,

If it helps, I bought a near mint 1st edition hardback copy of Chamber of Secrets last month (with dustcover) for £500.

Regards,

Simon
Josh said,

February 3, 2010 @ 4:16 pm

Hi,

I have the boxset of the fist 3 HP books in Hardback, my Philosopher’s Stone is 2nd printing (10-2) while both Chamber and Azkaban are 1st printings (10-1).

I would like to know if the Chamber book I have is the earliest/raerst type, it is also a Bloomsbury copy.
The Azkaban book was published by Ted Smart, am I correct in believing that an Azkaban Bloomsbury 1st print is more valuable than my Azkaban copy.

Thanks, Josh
Rod said,

February 3, 2010 @ 5:30 pm

Hi Josh,
the Ted Smart is a reprint / sort-of-book-club type book so not comparable in value or collectability alongside a publishers first edition.
It’s all about true first publishers editions Josh, the rest are just reprints in reality
Best
Rod
JIM said,

February 9, 2010 @ 12:43 pm

Hi Rod

I usually trade in vintage toys but have for the last few years picked up the odd Harry Potter book. I usually look for the 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 as an indicator that it is a first edition as a friend told me this would eliminate the later printings. I know nothing about the rarer versions of the books however I do have a paperback copy of the philosopher’s stone again with the above mentioned number line. However on further surfing on the net I have noticed a few other points to look out for that may indicate I have a rarer copy. Maybe you can let me know if it is just wishfull thinking on my part. On the page with the number line it reads text Joanne Rowling and illustration Thomas Taylor1997 with no space between Taylor and 1997. Also on page 53 1 wand is listed twice. I also came accross another site that gave a list of corrections made after the first printing and my copy has all the mistakes if you like before corrections. I would be interested to know your opinion if I am just waisting my time or it is worth further investigation.

Thanks

Jim
Rod said,

February 9, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

Hi Jim,
providing they are original publisher’s edition with the 10-1 printer’s key then you’re in business.
There are all sorts of things re spelling mistakes with some titles, many people actually state some are issue points but many of them are in every one of the 10-1 editions so they’re not issue points at all.
It sounds like you’re far from wasting your time with that one
Cheers
Rod
Cindy said,

February 13, 2010 @ 2:58 pm

Hi there
Are the australian prints collectable. I have a chamber of secrets, numbers 10 -1, printed in maryborough , Australia 1998, hard copy with dust cover
Thanks in advance
Rod said,

February 13, 2010 @ 7:29 pm

Hi Cindy
I only deal in UK first editions I’m afraid so I couldn’t really say.
All I would say is that UK editions are all that any collector has ever asked me for and that’s froom all over the world.
Best
Rod
JIM said,

February 19, 2010 @ 1:35 pm

Hi Rod

Thanks for the info on FEB 9. Could you settle once and for all an argument how many first edition first print UK Bloomsbury paperback were printed. This is an on going issue between my friend and myself. I have the paperback He HAD the hardback but gave it away a couple of years ago. Cheers. Jim.
Rod said,

February 19, 2010 @ 1:40 pm

Hi Jim,
I have no knowledge of paperback print runs I’m afraid only hardback firsts - sorry about that
Best
Rod
JIM said,

February 19, 2010 @ 1:43 pm

Hi Rod

Sorry it was the Philosopher’s stone I was talking about. Jim.
JIM said,

February 19, 2010 @ 1:44 pm

Thanks anyway Rod. Jim
Kieran said,

February 20, 2010 @ 1:07 pm

hello Rod..
just want to ay what a great site for harry potter book info..
i’ve been a collector of harry potter books since 1998(chamber of secrets days), and have amassed a fantastic and expensive cllection of harry potter uk firsts, ranging from proofs, deluxe and also book club editions..but sadly still lacking the holy grails, bloomsbury uk childrens philosophers stone Hb and Pb firsts…way too expensive to buy..and have become very knowledgable on all the correct issue points of all uk, us and other foreign hp issues
I have read all the comments on this page, and still amazed, how popular harry is.. i think people will be still collecting Hp books for many years to come. they will alays remain highly collectable. bargains can still be picked up at carboot sales, fairs and even Ebay…
for any one who wants to start collecting Harry Books, either for investments or just collectability, please consult the experts first..Rod is an ideal candidate.
Rod said,

February 20, 2010 @ 7:55 pm

Hi Kieran,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
I think Harry Potter firsts will be just as you say - veryy collectable for a long time to come.
Personally I expect them to get a second wind once those reading them as kids grow to an age when they can start to collect - I’d expect them to go up even more in price.

For anybody else reading this and wanting for info on the first I’ve done a bibliography on another site of mine called Bookseller World search online for Harry Potter Bibliography and it’ll be there somewhere

Thanks again Kieran
All the best
Rod
matt dumais said,

February 22, 2010 @ 6:54 pm

Hi Rod got a question for you. I am currently in the possession of a FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINT(12-1), ADULT VERSION, HARDBACK, US PRINT of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows, normally id assume its not worth very much maybe a little more than the average 7th book but besides being a collectible version my book contains a large MISPRINT, do you think its worth anything?
Thanks, Matt
matt dumais said,

February 22, 2010 @ 6:56 pm

BTW the misprint is 2 missing chapters!
Rod said,

February 22, 2010 @ 7:09 pm

Hi Matt,
I’ve never really dealt in the US editions as they demand has always been for UK firsts.
The late titles have huge print runs so value tends to be low.
I couldn’t be definitive about your misprint being of great value but if forced to guess I’d doubt it was valuable Matt.
Sorry that’s not much use Matt
Best
Rod
George.. said,

February 26, 2010 @ 7:04 pm

Rod,

I would just like to pass on my thanks to you for your extreme patience and diligence in trying to increase awareness regarding the various pitfalls that many new collectors fall prey to.

I need your expertise regarding the Bloomsbury impression sequences please. I am in receipt of 4 hardbacks (Goblet - child edition, Deathly Hallows- child edition & the Order both child and adult) all listed as first editions on the Copyright page there are no impression numbers what so ever captured in any sequence at all just the words “first edition ” at the very bottom of the page.

All are Uk HB price intact in mint condition and printed by Clays.

A little stuck as I am used to working with impression numbers in their various formats so the fact that there are none listed at all is why any guidance that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance & kind regards.
Rod said,

February 26, 2010 @ 7:30 pm

Hi George,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
The later titles dispensed with the ‘printers key’ or ‘numberline’ and simply stated ‘First Edition’
Yours almost certainly are first editions by the sounds of it but they were all printed in such huge numbers though George it’s all a bit academic really.
Hope this helps George
All the best
Rod
Molly Whitebear said,

March 1, 2010 @ 3:47 pm

Hi!

I just now found this site while trying to figure out exactly what i have in my Harry Potter collection.

I have the U.K. Deluxe Edition of all seven books. They say 10 down to 1 on the copyright pages.

Originally, many years ago, I purchased a couple on eBay from what turned out to be a total crook by the name of John Anderson. During this huge scam on eBay, I met a lady who is a bookseller in London and from then on out, purchased ALL my HP books from her.

Anyway, I was wondering if you have any idea what the value of these U.K. Deluxe Edition 1st/1st books are if they are in a complete set? I would like to sell them, but just have an aversion to doing so on eBay. Do you have any suggestions on how or where to do that?

I thank you so much for this site! It is quite informative!

Kindest regards,

Molly
Rod said,

March 1, 2010 @ 6:56 pm

Hi molly
we don’t value books here I’m afraid but if you want to sell them then a reputable auction house or specialist London dealer would be your best bet
All the best
Rod
Emily said,

March 9, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

Hello Rod,

Thanks to everyone for their posts- it has been a very informative read!

I am always trying to add to my HP collection, and often worry that I am being scammed somewhat. Are there any clear guidelines that would denote a first edition, early print HP and the Philospher’s stone? I have a fair few ( christmas presents over the years!). That have varying print runs on them, all however, are bloomsbury editions with the seemingly important “joanne rowling” and mistakes in the blurb ( and the dark haired wizard etc) As I have so many, I am considering selling a few! But would want to make sure i gave over correct information beforehand, and would evidently like to keep the rarer ones, if indeed any of them are!

Emily

Thanks again for such a useful site!
Rod said,

March 9, 2010 @ 5:45 pm

Hi Emily,
check out the bibliography I did on Bookseller World (can be found in Google) that tells you how to find out if you have a first edition.
Best
Rod
sarah said,

March 30, 2010 @ 4:12 pm

hi finding site really interesting i have a few potter books too.A green delux bloomsbury 10-1 number first ed right?Also signed
Then 2 red delux still in cellophane but price ticket states 1st editions?Should i open them to check?
Then a blue delux only 10-6 number not good ?
Then prisinor of alkatraz 10-1 numbered ,signed and bloomsberry and printed joanne rowlings?any good?
All bloomsbury not the ted guy are they worth keeping selling ?
Thanks again really interesting site.
Kieran said,

April 6, 2010 @ 2:01 pm

hello Sarah..
interesting books..
please e-mail at..

kesslaar.1@blueyonder.co.uk

if possible could you also please attach some photos of the signatures and also the publishing pages of the green delux and also the azkaban book..

many thansk Sarah and to you Rod..
keep up the good work..

Kieran
Molly Whitebear said,

April 21, 2010 @ 5:20 pm

Hi Kieran!

Just came back on here this morning and saw your post. Thank you so much! I have emailed you!

:-)

Molly
Helen said,

April 29, 2010 @ 5:59 am

Hi,

I’m not a collector or anything, but I just bought a copy of book 2 from amazon, and it looks different than the other Harry Potter books I have. The book itself is smaller in size than the others and the pages are thinner. Also, the font on the binding under the dust jacket is not the typical Harry Potter print. Could this be a different edition or version of the book? All the books I have so far are the U.S. editions, so maybe it’s Canadian or something? Thanks for your help.
Rod said,

April 29, 2010 @ 7:33 am

Helen look at the preliminary pages for the printing information and it should tell you what country your book is printed in - probably UK or Canada
Best
Rod
Nathan said,

May 21, 2010 @ 6:19 am

Rod,
I just bought a first edition of Chamber of Secrets, US edition. On the spine, on the dust jacket, it says Arthur A Levine Books, so is this one of the reprints by another publisher? It still says Scholastic, though. If it is indeed the first edition, first print, how many were produced?

Thanks,
Nathan
Rod said,

May 21, 2010 @ 8:48 am

Hi Nathan,
I only deal in UK first editions I’m afraid so I couldn’t say - sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Richard Cogzell said,

May 23, 2010 @ 7:20 pm

Hi,
I have HB editions of all 7 novels. Only the last 3 are Ist editions but I think everyone has copies of these so value must be next to nothing. The first and third book are 24th impressions and Chamber is a 7th impression, but is the only one of my set to be a Ted Smart. Are my first 3 also worth next to nothing? Thanks, Richard.
Rod said,

May 23, 2010 @ 7:39 pm

Hi Richard,
welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
I’ve seen editions such as you mention of the first 3 at £1 to £3 each in secondhand bookshops I’m afraid.
Best
Rod
Catherine said,

May 29, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

Hi Rod, I am interested in collecting Harry Potter first editions, and thank you for all of this information. I have found one I would like to buy, it is a paperback, 1997, 1st/1st, Bloomsbury, ex-school (with school stamp) Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. I was going to sell some shares and buy it. (it’s four figures, in the middle of that range!)
Could you tell me what you think?
Catherine said,

May 29, 2010 @ 12:39 pm

there is also a hardback version - signed but it is 30 thou.
Eeek.
Rod said,

May 29, 2010 @ 7:25 pm

Hi Catherine ,
I’m afraid it couldn’t really advise you either way really, it wouldn’t be right and you need to handle boos etc to have a real and proper opinion
Sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Catherine said,

May 29, 2010 @ 11:59 pm

Thank you anyway Rod. I like your site and all of the information and your photographs are really beautiful. As I am in Australia and the books I am interested in are in the UK it is a bit hard to “handle” them, so I am somewhat flying blind, but do feel a little more informed after reading through all of the information you provide. I shall hasten slowly. I did read that the hardback is better than the paperback so I shall probably concentrate my attention there.
Thank you.
Rod said,

May 30, 2010 @ 8:51 am

Hi Catherine,
you’re wise to seek out a hardback rather than the softcover.
Beware of paying a lot for flawed books such as the one you first mentioned

Thanks for the kind words about the site and I hope you’ll return Catherine
All the best
Rod
Geni said,

May 31, 2010 @ 3:31 pm

Hi Rod,

Almost a year ago I asked you about the box of books you had not yet sorted containing perhaps a UK first printing of the Philosopher’s Stone. Have you gotten around to rummaging through that stack of books and, if so, have you found the book? I am still interested in it (so please let me know when you locate it). Thank you for your response.

Geni
Rod said,

May 31, 2010 @ 4:50 pm

Hi Geri,
I’ve not got round to them yet I’m afraid, sorry about that, I’m not alot of use

UK first printing of the Philosopher’s Stone
It won’t be a first edition anyway Geri, it’ll be the paperback edition.
All the best
Rod
Geni said,

May 31, 2010 @ 5:12 pm

Hi Rod,

I understand that it’s the paperback. But if it’s the first printing of the paperback, I’m still interested!

Best,
Geni
Rod said,

May 31, 2010 @ 7:37 pm

Hi Geni,
I’ll be sure and let you know when I come across it
Thanks and regards
Rod
mike said,

June 1, 2010 @ 12:16 am

Hi rod

Just to let you know, there is a current ebay auction for a 1st/1st paperback Harry Potter and the philosphers stone
thats currently holding at over £500 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280509963109&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

wow….nice to have a few copies of that somewhere
Tina said,

June 2, 2010 @ 10:47 pm

Hello,

I just wanted to clarify as there are a lot of posts and couldn’t read through them all to find the answer but I have a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book, hard back, adult cover which says ‘First Edition’ inside it in writing and says it was first published in Great Britain in 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and is Copyrighted to J.K. Rowling.

Any idea what it is/isn’t worth as I am a bit curious. Would be nice if it might be valuable lol. Or do you think it might become valuable in later years?

Look forward to hearing your opinion.

Tina
Tina said,

June 3, 2010 @ 1:24 am

P.s Mike, I had a look at that link just for fun and it ended up selling for £770!!! Amazing considering it looked in a bit of a rough condition and someone had written inside it….

Tina
Rod said,

June 3, 2010 @ 7:32 am

Hi Tina,
they printed too many for it to be of any value I’m afraid and whilst I can’t predict the future I suspect that will remain the case.
Still worth taking care of and keeping though - as all nice boooks are
Thanks for the comment and welcome to the site Tina
All the best
Rod
Rose said,

June 9, 2010 @ 5:17 pm

Hi Rod,

I have the first three Harry Potter books, the first is a second edition, but the second two have 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 printed in them. BUT they are book people ones and have TED SMART on the side.
Are they worth anything at all? By this I mean would they be worth more than what I paid for them which wasn’t much, around £5-10 each possibly.
Do you think they would sell on ebay? Or should I hold onto them a little longer

Thanks
Rod said,

June 9, 2010 @ 6:32 pm

HI ROse,
I couldn’t really recommend what to do with them I’m afraid but a search on eBay for completed listings etc would give you some idea of what they may fetch - I don’t really follow that particular part of the market I’m afraid
All the best
Rod
Rose said,

June 10, 2010 @ 10:15 am

Hi Rod,

Thanks for the information. I have just found harry potter and the chamber of secrets, bloomsbury first edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. It is a paperback book. Would you know if paperbacks had any value?

Thanks

Rose
Cole said,

June 14, 2010 @ 2:41 pm

Hello Rod,
I am so glad to have found your site because no one else cares to answer my question on my “Harry’s… Philosopher’s Stone”.
I feel it is worth something and is quite rare. Although not a first printing it is a second. Printed by Clays and published by Bloomsbury, numbered 10-2. Hardcover, no wrapper as issued. As I understand the publishing history the first printing went mostly to schools and libraries and was under 500 copies. The second print went to the stores and was also an extremely small run. My copy is an exact replica of the first print but for the missing numeral “1″ on the copyright page. Must I go the e-bay or abebooks route to sell this? It is in great condition but for the foxing of the cheap paper and the former owners childish signature. Your thoughts and advice will be most appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Cole
Rod said,

June 14, 2010 @ 3:30 pm

Cole,
welcome to the site - you’re right the book is of value even though not a first - it’s not often the case but here it is.
The fact is, a first is beyond the financial means of nearly every Harry Potter collector so they seek alternatives and given the value of a first then 10% would make it a valuable book.
Ebay will sell it quick and is probably a good place it may pay you to stick a reserve price on it - set that at a sum you’re happy to see it go for (loads of pictures as serious bidders will think it a possible scam due to the number of auctions related to this thread),
Abe will be slower unless it’s offered cheap.
Best of luck with it
All the best
Rod
Cole said,

June 15, 2010 @ 3:26 pm

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. I appreciate your advice and will investigate e-bay.
Kind regards,
Cole
polish bro said,

June 16, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

I LOVE this site. Made me go down and dust off all my HP books…

I found none of them are worth anything (yet) from all the above comments except one i have a question about. It might be unique

Paperback Philosophers
Bloomsbury
printed in australia
has the error about the owl on the back
Young dumbledore on the back and spine
10 9 8 7 6

anything?

thanks!
Rod said,

June 16, 2010 @ 7:57 pm

PB,
doesn’t do much for me I’m afraid but the eBay crowd could lap it up - they love talk of errors etc
Cheers
Rod
Sandy said,

June 19, 2010 @ 5:26 pm

Hi Rod
You have the patience of a saint!
I have spent most of the afternoon reading posts on your site for I know not why. People claim to enjoy reading your site, but then in many cases go on to ask you the self-same questions you’ve previously answered a dozen or so times.
For future users, please note:
Rod doesn’t give valuations;
Rod can only comment on UK First Editions, not US, Australian or others;
Rod makes it quite clear what his thoughts are on Ted Smart, Library Large Print copies etc;
UK books 4 to 7 were printed in vast numbers with ‘First Edition’ printed rather than a number line;
The large print runs of books 4 to 7 1st editions renders them of little monetary value at the present time.
I could go on …
May I politely request that people read previous posts and Rod’s replies before asking questions so as to include as wide a variety of posts as possible for people like me who’ve obviously got too much time on their hands and enjoy reading sites like this.
Thank you so much for your time and patience Rod, I’ve had an amusing few hours wondering if you’ll ever just come out and ’say it straight’ as I have done here on your behalf
BTW like most people I know, I only got into HP when Azkaban was already on the go, therefore only own 1st editions of Goblet onwards - the 1st 3 are paperbacks - what matters most to me is that my daughter, now 15 is still reading through this marvellous set of books for the umpteenth time - probably the best money I ever spent (not bought to sit on a shelf to admire, but to read and thoroughly enjoy)!
I hope I haven’t offended anyone - that’s not my intention - I just think people will benefit from reading previous posts before asking Rod a question.
I’m sure Rod would still like to read that you enjoyed reading his site though!
Best wishes x
Rod said,

June 19, 2010 @ 6:43 pm

Sandy,
a thousand thanks and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
You do pretty much hit the nail on the head Sandy

what matters most to me is that my daughter, now 15 is still reading through this marvellous set of books for the umpteenth time - probably the best money I ever spent

That’s what it’s all about Sandy - perfectly put.
Buy books for the pleasure of them or become a serious colector - anything in the middle is dangerous territory and people are likely to get caught - as we’ve seen on this thread.

Thanks again Sandy and enjoy the weekend
All the best
Rod
James said,

July 28, 2010 @ 9:57 pm

Hello Ron,

I’ve had a look through the old posts and still cant really make up my mind whether to try and sell my HP book or just give it to a charity shop (which is what im doing with my other 4 books).

It is a paperback though, so i understand its not the 1st, 1st edition of the book, but have read on websites that there were a few states of print and my paperback seems to fit the description of the ‘2nd state’

Prisoner of Azkaban
Bloomsbury
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Copyright © 1999 J.K. Rowling
Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc
*no advertisements printed in the book*

And finaly the misaligned text block on the 1st page of Chapter One is corrected.

I know that the hardback version of the 2nd State would be of far greater value, but do these factors make my 1st edition, 2nd state paperback a sellable collectors item? or is its only selling point a readable good conditioned book?

Many thanks for your time Ron, I hope my question hasnt already been asked before!

James
Rod said,

July 29, 2010 @ 7:25 am

Hi James,
I had a box full of assorted minor Harry Potter stuff and thought I’d return to ebay after some time and get rid of it.
It was at the beginning of the year. There were two Azkaban paperbacks, both ‘1st state’ if you like and fine unread.
One sold for £10 the other didn’t sell at all.

I don’t say that’s what they’re worth simply that’s what happened.
Best
Rod
James said,

July 29, 2010 @ 5:24 pm

Hello Ron,

Thanks for the quick reply, I guess if I had the hardback version i’d have struck it lucky then. I’ll try my luck on ebay and if that fails then at least the charity shop will have another book for good cause’.

Many thanks again for your time mate,

James
James said,

July 29, 2010 @ 5:30 pm

Ps. Nice Ibanez by the way, I’ve always wanted to give the JEM a try. Anyways, take care man.
Rod said,

July 29, 2010 @ 6:58 pm

James,
give a whirl on Ebay as you say, it’s the best bet.
The Ibanez is superb, it’s the full signature model and the best guitar I’ve ever played - I recommend them - for what that’s worth of course.
Cheers
Rod
Laura said,

August 2, 2010 @ 8:15 pm

Hi

Apologies if this has already been asked but I have scanne all the page for the word deluxe and cannot find this edition so i was wondering if the book I have is worth anything.

Its a deluxe edition, the cloth covered hardback of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

Inside it says
Copyright J K Rowling 1997
Copyright Cover illustration Thomas Taylor 1997
ISBN 0 7475 4572 3
Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd. St Ives plc
10 9 8 7 6 5 4
Its a Bloomsbury book with the sewn in bookmark.

From what I have read this is a 4th edition ?

I know you don’t value, but would you know if it was worth much ?

Thanks !!
Chris said,

August 4, 2010 @ 6:23 pm

Hi Rod,

Just wondering…….I have a “1st edition” Goblet of Fire by Omnia Press in Scotland.

There is no number line, on the copyright page.

Not read, dustjacket in perfect condition.

Is the one with the mis-print?

Is this true or is the book just worth about the £1.50 i paid for it at the boot fair?

Regards,
Chris
Rod said,

August 4, 2010 @ 7:01 pm

HI Chris,
no idea I’m afraid - I don’t really have anything to do with the later titles - sorry about that.
Cheers
Rod
Pete said,

August 16, 2010 @ 8:28 am

Hi there

I have a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which states First Edition 1998 but has the numbers 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21. So I guess it is the 21st print run of the first edition, would that be right?

Kind regards

Pete
Rod said,

August 16, 2010 @ 8:55 am

Hi Pete,
indeed it would
cheers
Rod
Emma said,

September 10, 2010 @ 2:10 am

Hi Rod,

I appreciate that you’re not in a position to provide specific valuations, but do you have any suggestion as to where I would go to get one? I have the great fortune to have randomly picked up Philosopher’s Stone within the first couple of weeks of it being published, thus have a 1/1 Bloomsbury. Paperback, of course, but I understand that thanks to the HB run being *so* limited for PS that this is more valuable than usual. I’ve long wondered what the worth would be, but all I find when searching are the exact auctions you warn against, or the news stories of the mint condition HBs selling for five figures.

If I had realised back in the late 90s that I was sitting on a first edition of the first book, I would have made more effort to complete the set and collect firsts of the later ones - unfortunately as it was my dislike of reading HBs lead me to wait for the paperback publications. So I don’t have any more firsts until the widespread 5-7 books. Curses!

Thanks very much for this informative series of comments, and any advice you might have.

Regards,

- Emma
Rod said,

September 10, 2010 @ 7:22 am

Hi Emma
You could try one of the London auction houses perhaps, they may consider taking it in and giving you an idea of what it may realise
All the best
Rod
Jo said,

September 12, 2010 @ 9:01 pm

Hi, Rod.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I love books! Always have and always will. I have decided I want to be a serious collector and dealer, so I am trying to learn as much as I can. I hope you will permit me a few questions. I am finding that recognizing first editions, for me, is confusing.

First, I am confused by the number line. I get that the last number represents the printing, but what does it mean when the line only consists of 3 or 4 numbers. For example, I have seen a line that looks like this : 40 39 38. What does that mean exactly? And why not, 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38?

Second, On the publishing information page, is the date you see printed always the date that particular book was published, or can it mean the original date of the publishing of the very first book? For example can the book say; First Published in 1997 and in fact the book you are holding in your hand is from 2002? If that is the case, how do you recognize the age of your particular book?

Finally, I just want to clarify, will a fist edition ALWAYS say either first edition or have the 10-1 number line? I am confused by this because a lot of other resources will tell you to look for specific things that are known to be only on the first printings. Is this info incorrect?

Thank you so much for your time and expertise!
Rod said,

September 13, 2010 @ 8:32 am

Hi Jo,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.

40 39 38
That means reprinted for the 38th time, different publishers have different methods - some no methods at all etc.
They don’t really care about first edition etc Jo, to them new sales are all that matters.

As to your second point no, you cannot simply rely on the date on the copyright or title page I’m afraid

There is no clear rule of thumb for identifying first editions Jo it’s a minefield and requires a great deal of time and experience. It takes a long time to get to know what you’re doing and really goes hugely beyond any written article.

Best of luck
Rod
Jo said,

September 13, 2010 @ 10:02 pm

Hello again, Rod.

Thank you for the words of wisdom. I look forward to this new great journey and the knowledge I will achieve.

I’ve already put your site in my favorites and look forward to future visits.
Rod said,

September 14, 2010 @ 7:48 am

Ji Jo,
best of luck with it - it’s a lot of work but if you love books it can be a joy so well worth it
Regards
Rod
Catherine said,

September 19, 2010 @ 9:26 pm

Hi,
Been reading your site with interest - I was clearing out for a car boot sale and found a hard backed copy of The Philosopher’s Stone. I think my son bought it at a jumble sale a number of years ago for 50p. It has the numbers inside from 10 to 1 - but it is published by Ted Smart. It also has no dust cover. It’s been read - but in reasonable condition, with no loose pages or tears. The spine is intact.

Do you think it might be worth more than the 50p he paid for it then?
Simone said,

November 18, 2010 @ 12:13 pm

Well what a great read, I had considered putting my HP 1st editions on Ebay and came across your blog about 2 hours ago! Have read it all and am now absolutely convinced my books have wonderful readability value only! I will hang on to them. Thank you for the most informative couple of hours this week!
Simone said,

November 18, 2010 @ 12:17 pm

Just got excited about an old Enid Blyton but dont think worth anything … 7s 6d third impression 1962Five Go To Billycock Hill. Has anyone ever asked for this?
Rod said,

November 18, 2010 @ 12:44 pm

Simone,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - pleassed it was of som euse to you.
You could stick the Blyton on eBay, should get something if the book and jacket is in nice condition, the 1st is a collectable book.
Make sure there’s no scribbling or painting on the illustrations inside though Simone (happens a lot)
Cheers
Rod
pips said,

November 22, 2010 @ 11:26 pm

hi was wondering if someone could help me i have a bloomsbury harry potter and the chamber of secrets and the number is 10 is this worth anything
Miss Spelt said,

February 26, 2011 @ 5:39 pm

Hello Rod.

I have two HP books that seem to have valyue. The first is a Hardback Chamber of secrets is fantastic condition complete with dust jacket. Ir has the run number 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 but contains the three key errors.

The other is a First edition - first run hardbacked prisoner of Askabar complete with dust jacket in immaculate condition. Can you please tell me whether they have value.
Rod said,

February 26, 2011 @ 6:42 pm

Hi,
thanks for the comment, please see bottom of article - thank you

Please Note: we cannot provide a valuation service for people’s books I’m afraid

Kind regards
Rod
Jimmy said,

March 1, 2011 @ 12:30 am

Hi Rod,

I have just spent the last 45 minutes reading this website and would just like to say that I am very impressed with this site. I too made the mistake that you warned about at the beginning of this post and ended spending a lot of money on a first edition HP And The Chamber Of Secrets on Ebay (in the days before experience and common sense prevailed). As soon as I realised I had won the auction I was excited about my new book arriving, unfortunately when it arrived it turned out to be a large print edition (albeit first edition), ever since this episode, I walk around boot sales and book fairs looking endlessly for some way of trying to recoup some of the money that I spent on this book. I have managed to pick up quite a few HP books, including the less valued books 4-7, in fact I have about 12 Order of the Phoenix’s (never paid more than 20p for them though so not too worried!). I also have managed to pick up a very good condition Prisoner of Azkaban First Edition Deluxe green cover book for about £2.50! I only wish that I had read this website sooner and praise you for trying to get the message out that some (not all) of the books offered on Ebay are what they say they are. If this forum helps stop one or two people from wasting their money on something that is not what they think it is then you have done a good job!!

(Sorry about the rambling!!)

Kind Regards,

Jimmy
Rod said,

March 1, 2011 @ 8:32 am

Hi Jimmy,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - sorry to hear baout your bad experience on ebay.
Sounds like you’ve more than made up for it though.
Thanks again for the comment as it also serves as a warning for caution to others
Best wishes
Rod
needtoknow said,

March 7, 2011 @ 9:43 am

Hi guys i just brought a harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban for 25p and was woundering if it was worth anything.
i was told about the mistakes on front of page and a couple of others like anglesea should of been anglesy etc.
break should of been beak.
this is the front page:
first published in great britan in 1999
bloomsbury publishing plc,38 soho square,london,w1v 5df
copyright 1999 j.k rowling
cover illustration copyright cliff wright 1999
cover illustration from original art work by cliff wright
isbn 0747546290 and other no 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 thx alot guys.
Mark said,

May 8, 2011 @ 11:52 am

Hi Rod,
I have just finished reading through the article and some of the comments on your site. I was wondering if you could help me. I have a first edition Bloomsbury Hardcover Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It has the numbers 10 through 1 inside. The dust jacket is in good condition and the price has not been clipped out. I have had the book since it came out. I read it once and it has sat on the shelf since. I am thinking of selling the book but don’t really know where to start. Could you point me in the direction I need to go? Thank you for your time.

Mark
Wayne Stotter said,

May 8, 2011 @ 6:18 pm

HI there ive got a hardback copy of harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban unlike others ive seen it has the gold square on the front cover but with no picture. It says on the inside that it was published in 1999 by Bloomsbury publishing and has the copyright to Joanne Rowling 1999. The ISBN is 0 7475 4511 1 and the then 10 9 8 7 6 any information you could provide on this would be a great help thanks
Rod said,

May 8, 2011 @ 6:49 pm

Hi Mark,
all you can really do is put it on eBay or take it to a local book dealer I suspect
Best of luck
Rod
Rod said,

May 8, 2011 @ 6:51 pm

Hi Wayne,
it sounds simply like a reprint that either never got the picture pasted on due to a production error or a simple case of the picture falling off/being removed.
Regards
Rod
John said,

May 20, 2011 @ 9:20 pm

Hello Rod

I have only just found your site and must say that most of what I have read is true and very informative to anyone starting a collection of First Edition Books. I wish I had found your site before. I started collecting HP books along with other authors in about 2000.

I fully agree with you that most if not all paperback books are only worth reader value, and anything that is not by the original publisher is a reprint.

I wondered if you could give me some advice on my current collection.

Full set of HP Deluxe copies

Philosophers Stone has number line 1 to 10
Chamber of Secrets number line 1 to 10
Prisoner of Azkaban number line 1 to 2
Goblet of fire inscribed First edition
The order of the Phoenix inscribed Fist edition
The half blood prince inscribed first edition
The deathly hollow inscribed first edition

The prisoner of Azkaban 8th printing signed by the cover artist with and letter of authenticity

I also have 6 signed book plates by J K Rowling that I received from the publishers Bloomsbury and a letter from them confirming that they sent them to me.

I also have a full set of American first/first editions
and 2 American deluxe editions of the Sorcerer’s stone and Chamber of Secrets ( I am only aware of there ever being 2 deluxe editions being printed in the USA but may be wrong)

I know this is a long email but I hope you will forgive me>

I also have:

The philosophers stone number line 20 to 15 (I do not think this is worth anything apart from what someone would pay for it)

The Chamber of secrets number line 1 to 10 library copy that is well worn. I am thinking of having it recovered but I am not sure if the cost would be worth it. What do you think?

The chamber of Secrets number 20 (I do not think his is worth anything apart from what someone would be willing to pay)

The prisoner of Azkaban number line 10 to 2 ( I think this is a second state as I have read that the first print run has some dropped text errors)I am not sure if this is worth anything?

2 first edition copies of the Goblet of fire, both are flat signed, however one has a certificate of authenticity that I am not sure is authentic as they use a PO Box number in their address. The other is also flat signed but no providence. I am not sure how I can get them authenticated?

One first edition copy of the order of the phoenix which has a signature on a book plate fro Waterston’s.

One first edition copy of the order of the phoenix not signed but has sow errors in the printing. The Y is missing, I am not sure if this is worth anything.

One first edition copy of the half blood prince

One first edition of the deathly hollow.

I know you cannot give a value but advice on where I could get a fair valuation would be helpful.

Thanks John
John said,

May 20, 2011 @ 9:37 pm

Hi again Rob

I just wanted to add that I also agree with your comments about eBay, I am not fully knocking eBay itself. It is just the scammers who are taking advantage of people who think they are getting the real deal. I have used EBay to sell things including books, but I consider myself honest and fully describe my items.

EBay take no responsibility for what is sold on the site. However I strongly feel that they should take some of the responsibility for the money that has been lost by people who thought they were buying the authentic article. Many of these people may not even know that they have been scammed for many years to come.

Regards John
Rod said,

May 21, 2011 @ 8:11 am

Hi John,
I’d recommend speaking to a specialist first edition book dealer about valuations etc
Ebay should take more measures to rpotect the public John, I’ve been satying it for over a decade.
They’re happy to take the money but not the responsibility.

They’ve paid the price though, consumer confidence has collapsed and trying to sell on there is a dead loss !
Regards
Rod
nimble said,

May 21, 2011 @ 8:43 pm

Hi a very interesiting site! harry potter and the goblet of FirePrinted in Great Britain by Clays Ltd St Ives plc. Has nos. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 doesn’t say first edition. Can I retire?
Olivia said,

July 29, 2011 @ 10:13 am

Hi Rod,
I’ve just recently got deluxe copys of Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix and the Goblet of fire at a charity shop for 90p each.
The Goblet of fire has no numbers on it (other than dates) but it does say ‘First Edition’ printed under ‘printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc Typeset by Dorchester Typesetting’. It also says first published in great Britain in 2000 and then Copyright (copyright sign) 2000 J.K. Rowling. It has the Bloomsbury sign printed on the spine and has no major wear and tear.
The Order of the phoenix also doesn’t have any numbers on it appart from the dates and also has ‘First Edition’ printed under ‘Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc’. It says ‘First published in Great Britain in 2003′ and ‘Copyright (copyright sign) 2003 J.K. Rowling’. Like the Goblet of fire it has the Bloomsbury logo on the spine. Both books don’t have anything on the backs.
I’m not planning on selling them and i’m not too bothered if they’re not first editions either. I was just curious because they dont have the sequence of numbers going down in them. Do all books have this? because I’ve looked all through mine and there isn’t one anywhere.
Rod said,

July 29, 2011 @ 11:08 am

Hi Olivia,
the titels you mention just say ‘First Edition’ there are no number lines in the later titles so it sounds as though they are firsts
Best
Rod
Beth said,

August 1, 2011 @ 1:11 pm

Hi Rod,
I must say this site has been a very interesting read! My question is very similar to olivia’s above I have a copy of the order of the phoenix inscribed first edition although it is not a delux copy just a standard hardback book with dust cover. I know you don’t give valuations on this site but I’m just curious as to whether you think it is worth anything or completely worthless!
Many Thanks
katie said,

August 9, 2011 @ 12:15 am

hi i`m a huge potter fan and was considering in investing in books that could gain value in the coming years, when looking at the harry potter books what should i look for to distinguish whether it is rare or whether many has been printed before, i myself have bidded on a harry potter and the philosophers stone book 20 19 18 edition with copyright joanne rowling, printed and bound by clays limited, is this worthless ? luckily i only bidded 99p
Katie
Rod said,

August 9, 2011 @ 8:04 am

Katie,
I would treat investing in books just like investing in the stock market etc - that is to say; really make sure you know what you’re doing first.
As has been continually mentioned here the book you mentioned is worthless and devoid of collectable interest - your bid of 99p reflects its value in reality.

Only buy proper first editions Katie, if you are unsure what they are (big subject) then I would buy from a full-time professional book dealer if you want to be safe.
Cheers
Rod
mollolou20 said,

August 12, 2011 @ 2:54 pm

Hi Rod,
What a wonderful site! Really helpful to those who know little about book collecting!
I am currently aquiring the harry potter books to re-read them as my collection got pinched.
I have read all of the comments above but get confused with the prizoner of azkaban, I have seen one that has a purple cove with stars and a gold rim at the bottom and inside it says first published in great britain in 1999 and has the number sequence of 10-1, I would still keep and read this book anyway if i got it but i was just wondering if it is as valuable as the seller says it is??
Thanks for your help!
Rod said,

August 12, 2011 @ 4:49 pm

mollolou,
that’s no what the hardback first looks like - is it a paperback ?
If so then I don’t regard it as particularly valuable
Cheers
Rod
Jessica said,

August 14, 2011 @ 7:55 pm

Hi,

This is VERY useful! I have a trilogy of the first three Harry potter books.
They are all hardbacks and are kept in a box with illustrations on the front
Matching the book covers. They have the numbers 1-10 inside them at the bottom
However they are ted smart editions; does this mean they are of no real value?
mollolou20 said,

August 16, 2011 @ 11:24 am

Thank you for your help.
Judy said,

September 11, 2011 @ 1:44 pm

I know you specialize in UK first editions of HP and that you cannot give valuations on this site, but I have a general question about non-first printings of the hardcover, Bloomsbury 1997 Philosopher’s Stone. I can appreciate that an eighteenth printing, for example, might generate no interest amongst serious collectors, but at what printing, in your experience, does that interest disappear completely for Philosopher’s Stone? Is it the second, the third, the fourth, etc? I have noticed that some sellers combine later printings of PS with first/firsts of all the others when they are selling sets, for the obvious reason that they don’t have the rare first printing. If an early printing (but not the first) has not been signed by Rowling but is in fine condition, might it have any value worth pursuing through auction or a dealer? Or would it be one of those that, as you frequently mention, you give away.
Rod said,

September 11, 2011 @ 7:18 pm

Judy,
very early reprints of PS do have some value simply because the first is so very expensive. Most people will have to settle for an early edition I suspect. There’s nothing wrong in having an 18th edition/printing, I don’t look down on it, I simply wanted to make sure people realise it’s a very common book and pretty much worthless beyond its value as a read.

I would guess that 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th or OK Judy but I’ve never dealt in HP reprints so I don’t know what you’d expect to pay for one, go higher just don’t pay much for one is the point I hope I’m making.
I’d be very wary of signed ones Judy, there’s an awful lot of fakes out there, especially on eBay
Hope this helps a little
All the best
Rod
David said,

September 12, 2011 @ 8:49 am

Hello,
How much would I expect to pay fot the Philospopher’s Stone 1st edition first impression hardback? ( the rare one).
Some auctions have reached £25,000+ while there are some reasonable ones on e-bay at the moment for under £10,000. ( 3 of them!) Is this a reasonable price for a slightly worn version?
Also , for an autographed book does the autograph have to be written on the book itself as I have seen a few with an autograph insert attached over the title page. Presuming the autographs are original, wouldn’t it be cheaper to buy an unsigned book and a separate signed photo of JK Rowling to keep with it? I can’t believe a JK Rowling autograph in the book makes it worth £1,000+ more ?! She is still alive after all!
Thanks for a great site,

David
Judy said,

September 12, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

Rod,
Thanks for your prompt response, though we are now even more confused about the next step. Someone donated a hardcover Bloomsbury 1997 first edition, fourth printing, unsigned HP and the Philosopher’s Stone with dust jacket (all in fine condition) for a charitable book sale. A local dealer saw it and offered £20, which seemed low to us based on even the little research we’d done. Ebay doesn’t appeal to us as a place to sell and the one auction house we have now contacted turned its nose up. I understand that you cannot give valuations here, but could you give us a hint? Should we take the £20 and run or hold out for more.
Many thanks for your help.
Judy
Rod said,

September 12, 2011 @ 6:16 pm

Hi David,
I couldn’t really give opinions on prices such as you mention I’m afraid.
As regards a signature, I think an autographed photo or card added to a book adds no value to it whatsoever I’m afraid - it’s not the signature that’s of value per se but the fact it’s inside the actual book
Cheers
Rod
Rod said,

September 12, 2011 @ 6:18 pm

Judy,
the auction house wouldn’t really want it because it’s a reprint of course, the best price you’ll get for that is on eBay I’m sure - stick it on there with loads of pictures etc
Best
Rod
Judy said,

September 14, 2011 @ 7:58 am

Rod,
Once again, thanks for your help and advice.
Judy
Michael Banfield said,

October 23, 2011 @ 6:51 am

Hi
Not sure if anyone is still reading this thread, but regardless.
I have had a look at a few guides to valuing a harry potter and the philosophers stone first edition.
My copy is a first edition 25th printing paperback (numbers 30 to 25 on the copyright page).
I assume this is worthless but i was suprised that it has all the other misprints/identifiers ie “1 wand” repeated on page 53, price of 4.99 pounds on the back.
Are these identifiers just saying its a first edition and not a first impression?
Does this make my copy worthless?
Rod said,

October 23, 2011 @ 8:46 am

Michael,
many of these o called issue points are simply more eBay nonsense.
People quote mistatkes in books and it excites ebayers into paying more when in fact every single copy is the same.
I’m afraid your book is just a reprint, in fact the 25th edition so . . .
Cheers
Rod
Scott said,

December 3, 2011 @ 6:52 pm

Since many HP first printings are unique only in their number line containing “1″ at the end, I am curious if there is much evidence of forgery where a second printing has had the valuable number added.
Rod said,

December 3, 2011 @ 7:27 pm

Scott,
interesting point, I’ve not seen this with a Rowling first though I have seen it done on a book once before, it was poorly executed so I spotted it.
I wouldn’t want to start any conspiracy theories but given the numbers of forged signatures there are out there (something unusual in the book world I might add) I’d be amazed if this has not been attempted.
Best,
Rod
James said,

January 14, 2012 @ 5:22 pm

Hi Rod,
I’m interested to know how much difference having repair done makes on a book’s value. I’m not referring to a book in bad condition, but a book with some damage which has been repaired skilfullly and professionally to be in good condition. For example, how much difference would it make to a book’s value if a missing page has been replaced with a page from a later edition? (to the extent that it’s been done so well, the repair would not be obvious).
Thanks,
James
Rod said,

January 14, 2012 @ 6:33 pm

James,
personally speaking, unless it was a true UK first of the first book, I’d say a replaced page renders the book as good as worthless.
It would be easy enough for anybody who knew what they were doing to detect it easily, I’ve seen it done many a time.
If it’s done and not declared then it’s potentially fraudulent, if it is declared them the value would be nominal - it would certainly be one for eBay as that would be the venue that would perhaps find a buyer.
Hope this helps
Rod
blodders said,

January 24, 2012 @ 5:10 am

First Edition Harry Potter books 1-7 plus original first day cover bag.

Book Description: Ted Smart (The Book People), London, 1998. Hard Cover. Book Condition: Very Good ++. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good ++. Book Club. Third printing of this Ted Smart edition. Ted Smart is mail order only publisher who bought the rights to reissue the Harry Potter series and is identical in every way to the Bloomsbury edition, other than the publisher’s name. Interestingly it shows the author as Joanne Rowling on the copyright page. Bookseller Inventory # 000731

I suggested to a seller on Ebay that what they were selling was not a first edition and I got this reply -

I suggest you go to youtube and watch how to identify a first edition by exspert village before you make sweeping statements.

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Rod Collins

Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam

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