If you ’re a fan of all things Hogwarts , you ’re likely readingHarry Potter and the Cursed Child(or you ’ve finished it , and you ’re looking forward to the just - announcedHarry Potterbooks from Pottermorethat will be discharge in early September ) . But by revisit the serial ’ first , you stand the chance of scoring some serious cash — that is , if you live in England or purchased your books there .
According toThe Independent , 500 hardback copy of the first novel ’s original edition — Harry Potter and the Philosopher ’s Stone , published in the UK in 1997 — curb a barely - obtrusive misprint on varlet 53 . flip out to it , and you ’ll find the inclination of school supplies that first - class wiz are demand to purchase for Hogwarts . It features your distinctive wizardly schoolroom fare , admit one set of brass exfoliation , one telescope , one readiness of glass and crystal phials , and a caldron . But if you appear nearly , you ’ll find that the list also mentions “ 1 wand ” twice . ( A brief reminder : In 1998 , the book was free in the U.S. asHarry Potter And The Sorcerer ’s Stone , so if you own a first edition of the American novel , you wo n’t find the typo . )
The misprint is minor — but rare Bible expert think it will help one rare , first edition re-create ofHarry Potter and the Philosopher ’s Stonefetch more than $ 33,000 when it ’s sold at London ’s Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts this November .
That ’s a lot of money for a printing glitch . However , as Matthew Haley , Bonhams ’ head of books and manuscripts , pointed out , buyers are paying for nostalgia . “ As the first book in the series , Harry Potter and the Philosopher ’s Stonehas a special spot in the affections of the 1000000 of readers across the world , ” Haley toldThe Independent . “ The cogent evidence register computer error about the wand in the first edition has , of course , become a treasured piece of Harry Potter arcana . ”
[ h / tThe Independent ]
Know of something you think we should cover ? Email us attips@mentalfloss.com .
