Books

Fifth impression of the Bloomsbury first edition of the first Harry Potter novel. Number line: '10 9 8 7 6 5'; no gap between 'Thomas Taylor1997' as called for. This is a near fine example of the first UK edition of the book that started it all. Squarely bound with excellent colour to the boards; slight crumpling at the tail of the spine and slight rubbing to the corners of the boards. No ownership inscriptions; small mark on the top edge close to where it meets the foreedge. Overall near fine. In a very nearly fine jacket with no discernible change of colour to the spine; not price-clipped. A lovely example of this book and jacket which was released in its very first edition in only 500 copies. Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) is the first novel in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. It introduces readers to Harry Potter, a young orphan living with his cruel aunt, uncle, and cousin, the Dursleys. On his eleventh birthday, Harry discovers that he is a wizard when a series of letters from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, despite the Dursleys' attempts to prevent him from learning about his true heritage. Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, arrives to inform Harry about his magical abilities and his invitation to attend Hogwarts. Hagrid takes Harry to Diagon Alley, a hidden magical shopping district, to purchase school supplies. There, Harry learns about his parents' history in the wizarding world and acquires his school essentials, including a wand from Ollivanders, the wandmaker. At Hogwarts, Harry is sorted into Gryffindor House and becomes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He also learns about the sorcerer's stone, an object that can grant immortality and turn any metal into gold. Harry overhears discussions suggesting that someone intends to steal the stone, hidden within the school for protection. Throughout the school year, Harry and his friends navigate their classes, facing challenges and uncovering secrets. They suspect that Professor Snape, the Potions Master, is trying to steal the stone, believing he is after the school's Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Harry, Ron, and Hermione discover a three-headed dog named Fluffy guarding a trapdoor leading to the stone and suspect it's related to Snape's plan. With the help of their skills and courage, the trio bypasses various obstacles set up by the school's professors to protect the stone. In the final chambers, they confront Professor Quirrell, who has been possessed by Voldemort, the dark wizard responsible for the deaths of Harry's parents. Quirrell is seeking the stone for Voldemort, who wishes to regain a physical form by using the stone's powers. During the confrontation, Harry manages to prevent Quirrell/Voldemort from obtaining the stone, which leads to Voldemort's temporary defeat, causing Quirrell to disintegrate. Dumbledore, the headmaster, arrives and explains some details to Harry but leaves many questions unanswered. The school year ends, and Harry returns to the Dursleys for the summer, eager for the next year at Hogwarts and the adventures that await him. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts, sets the stage for Harry's journey, and lays the foundation for the overarching battle between good and evil that spans the entire series.