First edition, first printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published by Ted Smart in May 1998. This edition was produced for the Book People programme and was printed from the original Bloomsbury first edition sheets, retaining the complete number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1.
Ted Smart's Book People was a British bookselling company that distributed books directly through workplaces and other organisations rather than traditional bookshops. By purchasing books in bulk directly from publishers, the company was able to offer discounted editions to its members. The first printing of the Ted Smart issue of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is one of the earliest variants of Rowling's debut novel and remains a popular edition among Harry Potter collectors.
This copy is in near fine condition. The binding remains firm and tight, with only light bumping to the spine ends. The boards are bright, showing none of the fading that is frequently encountered with early Harry Potter editions. The pages are clean throughout, with only a few very light marks to the page edges.
The original dust jacket is also in near fine condition. Colours remain fresh and unfaded. There is a small closed tear of approximately 4 mm at the lower front fold corner, but otherwise the jacket shows virtually no edge wear or shelf wear and presents exceptionally well.
An attractive collector's copy of an increasingly sought-after early issue of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, preserved in a condition that is becoming difficult to find.
