One of fifteen red leather-bound presentation copies
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Special Fifteen Anniversary Edition (2012)
ROWLING, J.K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012.
- Author
- J.K. Rowling
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing, London, 2012
- Edition
- Special Fifteen Anniversary presentation edition — one of only fifteen copies, with its own ISBN
- Binding
- Full red leather, gilt edges, gold-embossed Hogwarts crest; author's signature on cover and spine
- Inscription
- “To Chloe”, inscribed and signed by J.K. Rowling in blue ink
- Provenance
- Chloe Esslemont, winner of Bloomsbury's 2012 fifteenth-anniversary competition
- Accompanied by
- The winner's original competition entry; bespoke quarter-leather traycase
- Condition
- Fine — pristine, unread
Description
Special presentation copy, one of only fifteen produced, personally inscribed by J.K. Rowling to the competition winner with "To Chloe" in blue ink. Bound in red leather with gilt edges, gold embossing featuring the Hogwarts crest, and bearing J.K. Rowling's signature on both cover and spine—a unique feature among published editions. Complete with distinctive ISBN specific to this limited issue. Housed in a bespoke quarter-leather traycase commissioned by the current owner.
Provenance
Awarded to Chloe Esslemont of The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, in Bloomsbury's 2012 fifteenth anniversary competition.
This particular copy was featured in The Rowling Library Magazine, Issue #74 (February 2023).
This volume represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with only fifteen copies in existence globally.
Remarks
An exceptionally rare presentation copy, representing one of the most exclusive editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ever produced. This edition was never available for commercial purchase, with copies awarded solely through Bloomsbury's carefully curated competition marking the fifteenth anniversary of the first Harry Potter novel's publication.
The distinctive features—including the author's signature integrated into both cover and spine design, the sumptuous red leather binding, and the gold-embossed Hogwarts crest—make this among the most aesthetically distinguished editions of this seminal work. Its rarity is further emphasized by its unique ISBN, designated specifically for this fifteen-copy run. The personal inscription from J.K. Rowling to Chloe, one of only fifteen competition winners, adds an intimate dimension to this already extraordinary volume, making it uniquely desirable to serious collectors.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Chloe Esslemont's original winning competition entry submitted to Bloomsbury in 2012, providing exceptional documentation of the volume's origins and adding a unique historical dimension to this already remarkable piece.
Recent market performance indicates strong collector interest.
Condition report
Fine. An exceptional copy. The volume presents in pristine, unread condition since its presentation in 2012. The red leather binding is immaculate with no scuffing, bumping, or wear to corners. Gilt edges remain bright and unmarked. The gold embossing on both cover and spine retains its original clarity and definition. Internal pages are crisp and clean, free from any foxing or age-related deterioration. The author's personal inscription in blue ink remains vivid and clearly legible. The book has been stored in controlled environmental conditions, protected from light exposure and humidity fluctuations. The custom-made traycase is in excellent condition, providing superior protection for the volume.
Competition provenance
Of particular significance is the inclusion of Chloe Esslemont's original competition entry from Bloomsbury's 2012 fifteenth anniversary celebration. As one of only fifteen winners selected from entries nationwide, Ms. Esslemont, then aged 16, submitted her entry through the publisher's specially-designed post boxes placed in participating bookshops and libraries across Britain. Her winning submission took the form of an imaginative folding document inspired by the series' iconic Marauder's Map, demonstrating the creative passion that secured her position as a runner-up in this prestigious competition.
The competition itself was a landmark event in Harry Potter publishing history, with Bloomsbury requiring fans to compose letters expressing their love for the series. While the grand prize winner received both a leather-bound copy and a holiday to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida, the fourteen runners-up, including Ms. Esslemont, were awarded these exceptional leather-bound editions. Ms. Esslemont's thoughtful preservation of both the book and her original competition entry—carefully stored in her attic for years—has ensured that this lot presents a complete historical record of this significant moment in Potter publishing history.
Offered at £29,500
Serious enquiries and offers invited
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