Rare ‘Harry Potter’ Proof With Rowling’s Name Misspelled For Auction In Dallas

The video above is from a previous segment.

DALLAS (KDAF) — An uncorrected proof copy of JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be auctioned on July 25 at the Historical Platinum auction event in Dallas.

The proof contains several printing errors that were corrected in later publications, most notably the misspelling of JK Rowling’s name as “JA Rowling” on the title page. The uncorrected proof, one of only 200, marks the first time Harry Potter appeared in print.

In 1997, St. Kenelm’s School purchased it for £1 (about $1.27) at a publisher’s book sale. The school kept the book in the library until 2002, when it was stored and forgotten, rediscovered last year.

The proof was subsequently purchased by local entrepreneur Dale Henry, with proceeds benefiting St. Kenelm’s. Proceeds from today’s sale will also benefit the community, aiming to help a small town near Oxford, England, where the tourism-based economy has suffered during Britain’s economic downturn.

“When I first heard about the evidence, I was immediately intrigued by both its unique history and connection to the area – and by the fact that my wife is a huge Potterhead,” Henry said. “I hope others will do so too, and I see this auction as an opportunity to reinvest in the community at a difficult time.”

Bidding on the book runs from July 1 to 25. Buyers have the option to bid online until the live auction. During the auction, customers can bid in the room, on the phone and via Heritage Auctions’ proprietary online bidding platform, Heritage Live.