Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis
Young Adult Fantasy Children's Fantasy Collectible Editions Latin Language Magical Adventure Antiquarian Books
“Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis” is the 2003 first-edition Latin translation of J. K. Rowling’s global phenomenon, and collectors rank it among the hardest-to-find Harry Potter hardcovers ever printed. Published by Bloomsbury in a compact 198 mm cloth-bound format and still wrapped in its original dust jacket, this 256-page volume instantly elevates any shelf: it is the inaugural novel in the series, rendered into the classical language, and it has never been reprinted in this exact vintage trim size or binding. Because the Latin edition was produced in far smaller numbers than the English children’s print-run, first-state copies in “very good” condition—clean pages, no inscriptions, tight spine—have become the holy-grail for completists who need every language version of book one.
Beyond scarcity, the text itself is a scholarly delight. Classical educators collaborated to transpose Rowling’s modern vocabulary—Muggles, Quidditch, Hogwarts—into idiomatic Latin that reads fluidly yet authentically, making the book a living demonstration of how a “dead” language handles twenty-first-century fantasy concepts. Parents who want to give their children a painless Latin immersion, advanced placement students looking for a fun alternative to Caesar, and nostalgic adults who studied the language all gravitate to this edition because every page reinforces grammar while retelling the beloved story of the boy who lived.
For gift-givers, the physical object is irresistibly gift-worthy: the dust-jacket artwork mirrors the iconic 1997 English design, so it displays harmoniously with other first editions, yet the Latin title signals something rare. At only 379 g and 129 mm wide, it tucks easily into a stocking or backpack, and the sturdy binding withstands repeated bedtime readings. Whether you are building a multilingual Harry Potter set, hunting antiquarian children’s fantasy, or simply want a conversation-starting coffee-table volume, this 2003 first printing delivers enduring magic and proven investment value in equal measure.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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