That's magic! First printing of Harry Potter set to conjure up $20,000 at Heritage

In two weeks' time Heritage is holding an auction, or rather a pair of auctions, offering rare books and manuscripts. One of the key lots is certainly an excellent piece of Americana: a fine document signed by John Hancock.

It's not all Americana, however. There is a fantastic piece with a very British origin - though it would know be desired the world over:

This is a first edition, first impression copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - one of 500 copies of the first and rarest of the Harry Potter books, and likely one of approximately 300 copies sent to British libraries.

Harry Potter first edition back young Dumbledore

'Age-cancelling spells work a treat' - Dumbledore looks very sprightly

There are a number of features which set this copy apart from later versions, which Harry Potter collectors will be familiar with:

There is a young Dumbledore on the back and spine of the book, for example, which was not quite to author J K Rowling's taste. The opening pages claim "Copyright © Text Joanne Rowling 1997" (rather than "J. K. Rowling"), and there's a duplication of '1 wand' on p53.

The book has been well thumbed and a bit battered, but it remains appealing to the eye and the Holy Grail for some collectors.

So that's two wands, but kept well apart?

It is accompanied by a photograph signed "J K Rowling" and a handwritten signed note which accompanied it, with apologies for delays mentioning that Rowling has had a baby.

The whole collection taken together is expected to bring at least $20,000. Given the huge, well-established worldwide interest associated with Harry Potter (the value of Rowling's signature continues to rise, for example) it seems likely that the book will maintain its value.

It sells in California on September 13, with online bidding available.

Can't get enough Harry Potter? Check out Kylie's Top 5 list on our blog.