“As someone who respects comprehensive research, I am in awe of the level of detail and amount of time Philip Errington has dedicated to this slavishly thorough and somewhat mind-boggling bibliography.” - J. K. Rowling

This is the definitive bibliography of the writings of J. K. Rowling. In addition to complete bibliographic details of each edition of all her books, pamphlets and original contributions to published works, there is detailed information on the publishing history of her work, including fascinating extracts from correspondence, and information on Rowling at auction. This will be the first source on Rowling consulted by textual scholars, book dealers and collectors, auction houses, critics and researchers. The aim of the book is to record fact and dispel rumour on the fascinating publishing history of the Harry Potter series.

Can you tell us one surprising or little known fact about the publishing history of Harry Potter?
Philip W. Errington: One of the big facts is the number of hardback and paperback copies printed of the first edition of the first book. Both were published on the same day with 500 hardbacks and 5150 paperbacks. In the past there have been stories of a total of 500 hardbacks and paperbacks. I’m also delighted to describe what appears to be the first appearance in print of any Harry Potter. Most people would assume this would be the proof printing, but no. Bloomsbury published a volume of forthcoming highlights in early 1997. The complete fourth chapter of Philosopher’s Stone was included.

What is the most interesting item associated with J.K. Rowling that you have had in your hands?
Errington: That’s a very easy one. I’ll take off my bibliographer’s hat and wear my Sotheby’s one. In December 2007 Sotheby’s was approached to sell a handwritten copy of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I was responsible for the cataloguing and later accompanied the book to the United States for exhibition. The text was unpublished at that stage and every page was in the author’s distinctive handwriting; it was quite an object. When the hammer came down after a fierce bidding war, the result of £1.95million was a world record for a children’s book and also a modern literary manuscript. But more important it was to benefit a wonderful charity – now called Lumos. I had handled an exceptional piece but also played a small role in helping the charity.