Harry Potter book to raise thousands

It was sitting neglected at a second-hand bookshop, but now a rare first edition Harry Potter book is expected to conjure up thousands of pounds when it casts a spell on eager bidders at an auction in Norwich.

The auction, being held at St Andrews Hall from 9am tomorrow , is expected to attract scores of fans who are eager to bag the copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Auctioneer Gary Barnes said that the client, a book collector who did not want to be named, was browsing a second-hand book sale in Dereham when he spotted the book on sale for just 99p.

He said: “He couldn't believe it when he saw it was a first edition, it's a very rare book indeed - you can tell by the number line.

“Unfortunately 99p had been written inside the cover by the sellers in pen, which has knocked a lot off the value, but other than that it is in absolutely first class condition and we are still hoping it will realise a substantial amount, around £1,000 to £2,000, although it could go for anything.

“There is a reserve, although I am not at liberty to say how much it is, but as you can imagine it's quite substantial. The timing is quite good with the film out at the moment too. I've never sold one of these before and I am very excited about it, as are my children.”

The book is the first in the Harry Potter series, which was written by JK Rowling. It describes how Harry discovers he is a wizard, makes close friends at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and with the help of his friends thwarts an attempted comeback by the evil wizard Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents and tried to kill Harry when he was a baby.

The Specialist Book Auction, by Barnes Auctioneers of Norwich, will include other rare Harry Potter books as well as early editions of The Lost World, Robinson Crusoe, and Tom Brown's Schooldays.

It will run between 9am and 2pm tomorrow, and as it is a private auction, people will be asked to submit written bids.

The book was to be displayed in St Andrew's Hall between 9am and 3pm today for people to view.

Harry Potter is very much in the spotlight at the moment with the recent release of the latest film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, which is currently attracting millions of fans and filmgoers around the country.

Have you made an unusual find? Call reporter Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.