Draft copy of Harry Potter book auctioned

LONDON (AP) — A draft copy of the first Harry Potter adventure which incorrectly identified author J.K. Rowling sold at auction for $2,642, the auctioneer said.

An anonymous bidder on Monday purchased the proof copy of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, first published in 1997, the Bonhams auction house said. The proof incorrectly identifies the author as J.A. Rowling.

The book was released in the United States as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The sale generated interest from collectors worldwide because of the printing error on the title page.

Bonhams book specialist Gill Atkins said only 100 draft copies of the book were printed, "which is why the Harry Potter books have a high valuation."

"They were produced ahead of the first editions and were published in very small numbers and just circulated within the publishing industry," she said.

In December, a signed paperback first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone sold for $9,900 at Sotheby's in New York.

All prices included the auctioneers' commission.


USATODAY.com - Draft copy of Harry Potter book auctioned