LONDON, Oct 25: A first edition of the debut Harry Potter book was sold at auction in London on Thursday for nearly 20,000 pounds, more than twice the expected price.

The copy of ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’, which launched a global phenomenon when it published in 1997, fetched $40,350, at Christie’s auction house.

Two other Potter books signed by the author — one a paperback with the inscription “To Ella — I know your Mum!!! And she beat me in the quiz but we won’t mention that – love from Jo (aka J.K. Rowling)” — fetched £1,250.

A publisher’s proof copy of ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’ in plain yellow-and-white wrappers sold for 2,250 pounds.Rowling, 42, who has become a billionaire from the Potter phenomenon, published the seventh and last instalment of the boy wizard’s adventures, ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows’, in July.

Nearly 400 million copies of the seven volumes have been sold worldwide, and the books have been translated into 64 languages.

In September a British charity sold a complete set of Harry Potter books autographed by their author on eBay for 18,200 pounds.—AFP