Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

First edition, fourth printing of the rarest book in the Harry Potter series, a cornerstone of young adult literature, and one of the best-selling books of all time. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers. Signed by cover designer Thomas Taylor with an original drawing of Harry Potter and his owl Hedwig carrying a Hogwarts letter on the dedication page. At just 23 years old, Thomas Taylor had recently graduated from art school and was working at Heffers Children’s Bookshop in Cambridge when he submitted a portfolio of fantasy illustrations—including drawings of wizards and dragons—to Bloomsbury Publishing. Not long after, Barry Cunningham, the editor who had taken a chance on J. K. Rowling’s debut novel after it had been rejected by twelve other publishers, phoned Taylor and commissioned him to design the book’s cover. Taylor received an incomplete manuscript of the novel and, within two days, produced the now-iconic watercolor painting depicting a young Harry Potter, scar visible, standing beside the Hogwarts Express at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. This artwork appeared on the first printing of the first edition, published June 26, 1997, and has since become one of the most recognizable images in modern literary history — launching both Rowling’s series and Taylor’s illustration career. In near fine condition with rubbing and wear to the extremities. Pink mark to the upper edge of the text block.