An Unexpected Find
A former headteacher, Bob Alder, made an astonishing discovery when he stumbled upon an ultra-rare proof copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in a classroom at St Kenelm's Primary School. The book, purchased for just £1 in 1997, had been forgotten until it resurfaced during a recent summer tidy-up.
A Stroke of Luck
The copy of the book was purchased from Red House Books Ltd during their annual sale in Witney. Originally thought to have no value, the book caught Alder's attention in 2002 as Harry Potter mania was sweeping the world. Realizing its potential worth, he intended to have it valued for the school to sell. However, amidst his busy schedule as a headteacher, the book slipped his mind and it was only rediscovered recently.
A Valuable Treasure
The early proof copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which even misspells J.K. Rowling's name on the cover, is set to be auctioned on September 5th. Hansons Auctioneers has given the book a guide price of £15,000-£20,000. Jim Spencer, head of books at Hansons, described the discovery as a significant moment in literary history, as this book marks the beginning of the worldwide Harry Potter phenomenon.
Excitement for the School
Bob Alder expressed his delight at finding the valuable book, hoping that its sale will benefit the school and provide resources for the children. The money raised from the auction could be used to purchase new books and upgrade the school's existing resources.
How to Identify Valuable Books
If you suspect you have valuable books at home, there are several factors to consider. The condition of the book, whether it is a first edition, and whether it has been signed by the author can all impact its value. Additionally, the number of copies in existence will also play a role. Online platforms like eBay can provide insight into the potential value of a book, or you can consult auction houses for a professional valuation.
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