The story of how Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone came to be published is almost as magical as the book itself. Rejected by over half a dozen publishers, the debut novel by an unknown author eventually found a home at Bloomsbury. Before it went to print, early galley proofs were sent to a small group of critics, reviewers and booksellers for feedback.
Among that group was Fiona Waters, a respected figure in the world of children’s publishing. Her glowing comment on the novel appeared on the back cover of the first edition, and the galley proofs she received, along with her correspondence with Bloomsbury, now represent the only known surviving set in existence.
Chiswick Auctions is proud to present this unique insight into one of the most significant publishing phenomena of the modern age.
Chiswick Auctions: You were one of the first people to read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. What was that like?
Fiona Waters: Outside of J.K. Rowling’s immediate circle and the publishers who turned it down, only a few of us received the proofs. It is amazing to think that just over 25 years ago, I was part of a very small group that now numbers in the hundreds of millions.
CA: Was reviewing proofs a regular part of your work?
FW: Absolutely. As Editorial Director of Troubadour, which supplied children’s books to schools, I regularly received proofs from publishers. They were often looking for feedback and comments for marketing purposes. Philosopher’s Stone came to me in that way, and I provided a positive response in a letter to Rosamund Walker at Bloomsbury.
CA: Do you remember where you read the book?
FW: I started it at home and finished it on a train journey across Scotland. It was a fitting setting for a Harry Potter story.
CA: Did you know immediately that it was something special?
FW: Not to the extent it became. I thought it was a great story with strong characters, and I likened Harry to Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But I did not foresee it becoming the cultural phenomenon it is now.
CA: Were you surprised your quote was used on the first edition?
FW: Yes, very. I was used to my comments being used internally or in marketing, but I had no idea Bloomsbury would use my words on the dust jacket.
CA: You mentioned the book’s design in your letter. What were your thoughts?
FW: I felt the cover needed to appeal to boys, which is not always an easy task. Bloomsbury sent me an early version, but unfortunately I no longer have it. Later designs captured the magical world much more effectively.
CA: Rosamund promised to send you a final copy from the original print run, but it never arrived?
FW: That is right. Out of the initial 500, about 300 went to libraries. She must have forgotten, and at the time I did not think much of it. I reviewed books frequently and it was common for publishers to overlook sending finished copies.
CA: You kept the galley proof and letters. Was that typical?
FW: Not at all. It was pure chance. I found them stored in an old folder when I was clearing out paperwork after retiring. Most other proofs were recycled, so it is extraordinary this one survived.
CA: Why do you think the books have endured?
FW: They have become modern classics. Like C.S. Lewis or Roald Dahl, Rowling created a world that resonates with children and adults alike. Importantly, she got boys reading, which has always been a challenge. The series helped children embrace reading longer books and broadened the horizons of children’s literature. I am proud to have been a small part of that history.
List of all the Harry Potter lots in the sale
Lot 62: 3 novels signed by the author
Lot 63: Philosopher’s Stone, paperback, signed by the author
Lot 64: Philosopher’s Stone, First Edition, signed by the author
Lot 65: Chamber of Secrets, paperback, signed by the author
Lot 66: Chamber of Secrets, hardback, signed by the author
Lot 67: Deathly Hallows, hardback, signed by the author, plus ephemera
Lot 68: All novels, all First Editions, all signed by the author, boxed set
Lot 69: Philosopher’s Stone, galley proofs
Lot 70: Prisoner of Azkaban, proof copy
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