Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 25th Anniversary Edition: J.K. Rowling -25th Ann. Ed.- (Harry Potter, 1)

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Original front cover from the very first 1997 edition, illustrated by Thomas Taylor one of the most iconic book covers of the twentieth century I wanted to change the title because I thought it was a bit of a mouthful. But Jo said children love unfamiliar words, so, like all good publishers, I gave way to my author. I did cut a couple of chapters. Newton: The next day I chaired the editorial meeting and everyone was humming with excitement. We only had a tiny children’s team. Four people. They all sat on beanbags in one room on the fifth floor. Barry asked for authorisation to buy the rights and I said something like: “Alice absolutely loved it – approved!” Everybody else felt the same way. So he offered for UK and Commonwealth rights. He didn’t offer for US rights because in those days we didn’t have a US company. I learned that lesson – one year later, I started Bloomsbury USA. Thomas Taylor’s original 1997 cover, and, below, some of the many editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Years after he’d done the cover, Taylor met JK Rowling for the first time, when she came to sign books in his bookshop. She knew who he was, and they chatted, but not about Harry Potter – “just about gardening”. Since then, Rowling has become a divisive figure, her views on trans people seemingly at odds with her stories, and their message of tolerance and kindness. Taylor nods when I mention this. Newton: If you are publisher that is what you live for - to change the world by getting people to read your books. And the Harry Potter books are more popular than ever. With these anniversary editions and the long-awaited release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, 2022 is set to be an exciting year for Potterfans, and there is more yet to come. In celebration of 25 years of Harry Potter magic, Bloomsbury is proud to be releasing a special commemorative edition of the original story, with a wealth of special features and celebratory bonus content guaranteed to delight brand-new readers and long-time fans alike-Due to popular demand, we are releasing this edition on 9th June 2022 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Eccleshare: Children who love to read used to be thought of as bookworms, a bit isolated, but that all changed. Everybody was reading the same book, talking about it became a big thing, and parents were talking to their children about it because they had read it too. Coinciding with the publication of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, the success of Harry Potter gave children’s books both intellectual respectability and incredible earning power. The ultimate Harry Potter gift and a must for any bookshelf, this once-in-a-generation collector’s edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will take you on the magical journey of a lifetime …

The Harry Potter series has been responsible for inspiring and engaging young readers here and around the world for twenty-five years,” says President of Scholastic Trade, Ellie Berger. From midnight parties to Muggle Walls, we’ve seen firsthand the excitement and the power of J.K. Rowling’s brilliant storytelling, with themes of friendship and family, all still relevant today. Here’s to the next twenty-five years of reading magic!” People are able to remember being a child in bed at night reading the book. And that’s really quite magical in itself. So I am very proud of that.” Newton: For the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2000 we hired the dining carriage in which the Armistice treaty had been signed, and put together a whole Edwardian train which left from King’s Cross. From his pen, a boy with scruffy hair, a cheeky smirk and a lightning bolt scar is emerging. “I don’t want to end my days only being known as someone who did the cover art for Harry Potter.” People are able to remember being a child in bed at night reading the book. And that’s really quite magical in itself. So I am very proud of that Thomas Taylor

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

A glorious silver anniversary edition of J.K. Rowling's classic first story, featuring the original 1997 front cover illustration by Thomas Taylor and exciting bonus material to celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter magic Details to be confirmed! We will announce on social media as soon as we have more information to share, or sign-up to our Harry Potter newsletter. When he finished reading, the manuscript went onto “a pile of scrap paper that I used to draw on”, he recalls. “And then the remains of it went in the recycling bin. I didn’t think it was worth keeping.” In celebration of 25 years of Harry Potter magic, Bloomsbury is proud to be releasing a special commemorative edition of the original story, with a wealth of special features and celebratory bonus content guaranteed to delight brand-new readers and long-time fans alike: Original front cover from the very first 1997 edition, illustrated by Thomas Taylor – one of the most iconic book covers of the twentieth century