Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London, 1999
Scarce Uncorrected Proof Copy Given Uncorrected Proofs are sent for READING and review PRIOR to the release of the first printing, this example (1 of only 150 printed) of an early Harry Potter series uncorrected proof is in extraordinary condition. The proof for Azkaban came in two states: a first state in purple wraps which had an assumed print run of 50 copies, and a second state in green wraps with a presumed print run of 150, figures provided by the publisher [Errington 2017: 652-655]. This copy being one of the 150 extremely scarce copies in Green wrappers in stunning vibrant condition. Complete with the Bloomsbury copyright page and the complete number line of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. This book was issued BEFORE the first printing (see below for the definition of an Uncorrected Proof).
DEFINITION OF AN UNCORRECTED PROOF:
In publishing jargon, a proof is the preliminary iteration of a book, intended for a limited audience. Its purpose is to allow for final edits. The proofs can also help to build and maintain buzz about a book before its official release date, generate some early reviews and have potential readers eager to get their hands on the title. A galley proof or uncorrected proof may still have errors or areas open to change. It is generally bound differently than the final product, often only spiral-bound, and missing much of the polish of the eventual published version, opting instead for plain, often coarse paper. Inclusion of proposed publication information (date, price, etc.) can also be included. Usually the proof consists of text only, and is devoid of any art or illustration that may be present in the final published version.
If a book is successful and does well upon final publication, or if it goes out-of-print early but develops a fan-base or cult following, an uncorrected proof can become a valuable prize for collectors. Part of the appeal is their scarcity, and the fact that they will sometimes have slightly different text from the final piece. (Beth Carswell, ABE BOOKS)
By the time this title was getting ready for release, the Harry Potter series had taken off, with everyone waiting and anticipating the next book. The phenomena was born. The few uncorrected proofs that were released to select individuals were poured over, read, pass around, and re-read as they were extremely scarce (imagine being only 1 of 150 of the privileged few who got to preview this book!). The proof for Azkaban came in two states: a first state in purple wraps which had an assumed print run of 50 copies, and a second state in green wraps with a presumed print run of 150, figures provided by the publisher [Errington 2017: 652-655]. This copy being one of the 150 extremely scarce first state copies in Green wrappers.
Condition: : This copy is in very clean condition, with only some slight tiny spotting areas of discoloration to the wraps mostly evident to the inside interior upper corner of the back wrap; and with very little of the common rubbing/creasing but a bit to same upper edge to the back. The book is internally very clean with No owner names, No inscriptions, No stains, No handling marks, No writing, No discolored pages, No dog eared pages and only the last 3 pages with a slight very faint stain to the upper left corner. (it is very unusual for uncorrected proofs to be internally clean, most likely this book was passed around to several people all in heightened anticipation of the book). Only a scarce few of the uncorrected proofs have come to market in recent years, with this copy being well priced taking its rarity and condition into account. With only 150 copies printed up in Green, having a copy in any condition is a must for a collector of the Harry Potter series! The book was left unrestored, a true depiction of the Harry Potter phenomena. Please see the many detailed images.
NOTE: This was the final time an uncorrected proof was produced for a Harry Potter book – by the next book title, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, and onwards, the content of the series was meant to be kept secret until the official publication day.
A most scarce Harry Potter book and perfect for the serious collector of the Harry Potter series!
