Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

J.K. Rowling

ISBN 10: 1856134032 / ISBN 13: 9781856134033

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing; for Ted Smart / The Book People Ltd, 1998

A desirable early printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This publishing phenomenon was first released to the world in 1997. As early as May 1998, Bloomsbury Publishing produced a version of the book for Ted Smart/The Book People'. This was an independent book distribution company that sold books via a self-employed sales force, who would visit customers at their workplaces and sell to them directly. Ted Smart editions were known to cease in April 2001. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone By J.K. Rowling. This edition produced for The Book People Ltd, 1998. Third impression. Key issue points; Ted Smart logo on yellow background at lower spine edge of dustjacket and the printed book, 'Smarties Gold Award' banner to lower edge of jacket and printed book cover, and Publisher's impression line of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3. A near fine hardback copy in a near fine dustjacket. The jacket is protected with a removable clear plastic wrap. Slight wear to extremities. Not price clipped. The book itself has printed paper covers, the colours remain vibrant and true. Some minor shelf wear marks. All soundly bound. Text is bright and clear throughout. No owner's inscriptions or marks. A nice copy, of an early printing, of the world's favourite children's book. Text in English.  223pp.  Weight approximately 312g (unpacked).  Approximate dimensions: 205mm high x 137mm wide x 22mm deep. More photos on request. Seller Inventory # LAN9504

Synopsis:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Review: Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in JK Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig ... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin Snelson, Amazon.com

Bibliographic Details

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing; for Ted Smart / The Book People Ltd
Publication Date: 1998
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included