First edition “Harry Potter” novels sold at auction in Edinburgh!

A set of first edition Harry Potter novels was sold this week at auction. The set of all seven novels, with the British children’s covers, was up for auction in Edinburgh and included a rare and sought-after first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Until now, the books were part of a private collection, and the set included a card signed by J.K. Rowling.

The books were auctioned at Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh and were expected to make £9,000-12,000.

The Scotsman reports,

Bidding for the books started at £6,500 before the winning bid of £11,250.

Simon Vickers, Lyon & Turnbull’s book specialist, commented,

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the star attraction, however. Only 500 copies were published at first, of which 300 went to libraries and were rebound and effectively lost.

The book became a classic and the series, a global publishing phenomenon.

Later books were printed in their millions. Indeed, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the fastest selling book in history, selling millions in its first day on sale.

There are lots of enthusiastic collectors.

Check out our rare books page here and find out more.

Rare Potter novels are certainly snatched up quickly – and for impressive sums of money. We wonder who was lucky enough to buy them! Do you have any rare copies? Let us know in the comments.