Very good copy of the scarce and highly sought-after third printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Number line reads 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3; the copyright page credits Joanne Rowling, with no space between Thomas Taylor and the year 1997; and the back and spine of both the book and dust jacket feature the illustration of a young wizard. According to Errington [p.4], the third printing had a publication figure of only 500 hardback copies. It was also the first edition issued with a dust jacket, which differs in colour tones from those of all subsequent editions.
The spine ends and corners are slightly bumped and the top edge of the book cover exhibits minimal fading, not affecting the front or back boards. The binding is tight, and the endpapers are clean, with no marks, inscriptions, or stamps. The pages are clean and bright, with only the faintest hint of the usual browning to the edges. The fore-edge shows a few light brown spots and some minuscule scratches. The first edition unclipped dust jacket shows minor edge and shelf wear, but retains bright colours with no fading.A collectible copy of this rare and early Harry Potter book.
