Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (e la pietra filosofale)
First Italian Printing (no glasses) Translation, 1998 Salini Editore, Fine
The first ever translation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published on 29 May 1998 by Salani Editore. The Italian translation was the first ever Harry Potter book to be published outside the United Kingdom and by a publisher other than Bloomsbury.
The dust jacket for the first Italian edition is probably the most famous jacket out of all the translations showing Harry without his glasses which was quickly changed in the second printing.
An unknown number of copies of the first edition were released with a red band around the book which displayed a quote from Book Trust Scotland which read [in Italian] “Mystery, magic, a spectacular cast of characters and a perfect plot: this is the debut of a wonderful writer and storyteller.”
Adam Houston ‘the Harry Potter Specialist’ states on his website that copies which are in truly fine condition aren’t common to find and would be valued—with the band present—between £2,500-3,500.’ Adam goes on to say that those looking to invest in a copy should acquire a truly fine condition copy with the red band still present on the book.
This particular copy is that very rare fine condition copy with the red band still present. A true collector’s copy.
