There were 5150 paperback first printing copies of Philosopher's Stone, according to Bloomsbury publishing archives (Errington 8). The paperback first printing was printed simultaniously with the first 500 hardcover printings. Most of the paperback editions were sold in bookshops.

 

When examining a first printing of Philosopher’s Stone, there are multiple issue points present.

 

Copyright page:

• The number line on the copyright page reads: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

• The full name, Joanne Rowling, is printed

• The cover copyright illustration is printed as Thomas Taylor1997 with no space between Taylor and 1997

 

Book:

• The phrase "1 wand" is listed twice on the “Other Equipment” list found on page 53

 

Front cover:

• The cover includes a quote that reads  “A terrific read and a stunning first novel" Wendy Cooling

 

Back cover:

• The words "Witchcraft and Wizardry" are printed backwards as “Wizardry and Witchcraft”

• The word "Philosopher's" is misspelled as "Philospher's"

• The picture present is that of a young Dumbledore