A Variety of Material from Peter Harrington

- by Michael Stillman

A Variety of Material from Peter Harrington

Books don't have to be very old to be valuable. Item 124 is a first edition, first impression, of the first book in the most popular series of fiction over the past decade and a half. It is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, by J.K. Rowling. Not much more need be said about this series. If you haven't heard of it, you are living on a different planet. This first impression was printed in 500 copies, around 300 of which went to libraries and schools. No one anticipated the demand that would ensue. £29,500 (US $45,203).

Here is another first edition, first issue, but this is an older book. Item 62 is The Birds of Great Britain, by John Gould. Published in parts 1862-1873, it contains the uncracked image of the snowy owl (the plate was dropped and broken early on). This was the great artist's masterpiece, each image colored by hand. In the preface, Gould noted that this meant 280,000 illustrations were colored by hand, something “likely to cause astonishment to those who give the subject a thought.” £75,000 (US $114,937).

Peter Harrington also released their Catalogue 82 at this time, the latter focused on maps, prints, and artwork.

Peter Harrington may be reached at +44 (0)20 7591 0220 or mail@peterharrington.co.uk.