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Early Harry Potter edition fetches $45k

A first edition of the debut Harry Potter book was sold at auction in London overnight for nearly 20,000 pounds ($45,000), more than twice the expected price.

The copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which launched a global phenonemon when it published in 1997, fetched 19,700 pounds 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 JK Rowling)" - fetched 1,250 pounds.

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. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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