Uncorrected proof copies of the first three U.S. books in the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (US adaption Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) , Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), published by Scholastic.
These Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) were pre-publication editions distributed to booksellers, editors, and reviewers before the official release. Approximately 3,000 U.S. ARCs of each title were produced, there are no proof copies made of the other books in the series. Finding them in collectible condition has become increasingly difficult, and complete sets like this are exceptionally rare—especially in such a well-preserved state.
The Sorcerer’s Stone ARC represents the earliest American printed version of the first Harry Potter novel. The back cover mentions an initial planned print run of 30,000 copies, though some sources suggest this was later adjusted to 50,000. The fragile paperback ARC of this title is therefore significantly rarer. This copy is in near-fine condition, with bright, clean pages, no markings, and a well-preserved binding. There is minor wear along the spine, but otherwise, it remains in excellent condition with no internal writing or inscriptions.
The Chamber of Secrets ARC notes an expected first print run of 250,000 copies, making this proof copy far scarcer than the final published edition. This copy is in excellent condition, with only very minor shelf wear and no internal writing or inscriptions.
Since the final artwork was not yet ready when production began, the Prisoner of Azkaban proof copy does not feature the familiar illustrated cover. Instead, it has a distinctive purple and black diamond pattern. By the time of its publication, the Harry Potter phenomenon was already in full swing, leading to a first-print trade run of 500,000 copies—dwarfing the mere 3,000 proof copies produced. This book is also in near-fine condition, with minor shelf wear and clean pages.
None of these books have the commonly occurring reading creases or spine fading. A highly collectible, near-fine set of all the American pre-publication editions of the Harry Potter books.
