Fans have been known to shell out thousands of dollars for Harry Potter memorabilia, especially when it’s labeled as an “original”, or a “first edition”. There’s something about the magic (pun intended, of course) of the humble beginnings of one of the most popular book series of all time, being able to imagine Harry Potter before Daniel Radcliffe, before Warner Bros, and before sequels and spin-offs and websites and merchandise. For me, it’s somewhat akin to seeing pictures of your childhood, nostalgic for a time when things were simpler.
The Money Keeps Rolling In
The magic of originality was especially evident when a first edition of the Philosopher’s Stone cover art sold for millions of dollars at an auction, being the most expensive piece of Harry Potter paraphernalia sold to date. The artist, Thomas Taylor, was just 23 when he painted it, and had absolutely no idea the book would become so big. “People forget that at the time, J. K. Rowling was as unknown as I was,” he said.
Who is Thomas Taylor?
After the series took off, Taylor wasn’t called back for more illustrations, which he was ultimately fine with. He got to take interviews, sign book covers, and even, on one unbelievable night, answer a pub trivia question about himself — the quiz master didn’t even know who he was!
Taylor does occasionally wonder if the illustration had anything to do with his further career as a published children’s author, whether or not that was what propelled him into success. And honestly? He doesn’t think about it much; he is grateful for the opportunity he was given at such a young age and is happy he still gets to do what he loves.
“[The Harry Potter series gave] 9 to 12-year-olds precisely what they needed: a bit of enchantment and a refuge from pressure, anxiety, and homework. These days I aspire to conjure the same enchantment with my own writing.”
Thomas Taylor, 2024
Current Success
These days, Thomas Taylor has published a series of “Eerie-on-Sea mysteries,” loosely based on his experience with the creepy strangeness of his seaside town during the empty winter season. A five-book series, these novels center on two friends, Herbert and Violet, and their incredible adventures through the mysterious town of Eerie-on-Sea.
Oh, and just for comparison, a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was sold for $421,000 at an auction in 2021. Thomas Taylor’s art? Sold for $1.9 million.
Want more Harry Potter content? Check out our article featuring our favorite moments from The Half-Blood Prince!
For more fantasy reads for kids and middle grades, take a look at our bookshelf.
