A magical read 

Unquestionably one of the world’s most popular series of books, the magical world of Harry Potter was famously dreamed up by author J. K. Rowling in an Edinburgh café. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in the series, was first published in the United Kingdom in 1997, with the popularity of the wizarding world only growing in the years to follow. 

Given the enormity of the Harry Potter world - with films, theatre productions and theme parks following the novels - it’s unsurprising that the books have proven collectable for fans. In fact, a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – one of the five hundred first edition copies of the novel – set an impressive new record last year in the United States when it sold at auction for an incredible $81,250 (£60,186).

Lot 1744 in the Works of Art and Furniture auction on the 12 October at McTear’s comprises a collection of four Harry Potter books. Each book is cloth bound with attractive gilt detailing and two of the four, namely Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, are first editions. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a first deluxe edition copy, and is one of a small number with a printed copyright line accrediting 'Joanne Rowling' before this was amended to ‘J. K.’ The group also includes a 1999 edition of each Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 

This attractive collection is the perfect literary purchase for the Harry Potter fan. Sure to appeal to even the muggles in the room, this magical lot comes with an attractive auction estimate of £300–500.

Click to view the full catalogue >>

Hannah Murphy

Handsome furniture and sculpture, bronzes, ivories and treen, textiles and costume, along with sporting memorabilia, arms and armour, rugs and carpets, feature in this auction held every six weeks. Come along to the Valuation Days at McTear’s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week for complimentary auction advice.

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