Philip Errington is Director for Children's Books within the Department of Printed Books and Manuscripts at Sotheby's. He is the author of John Masefield: The 'Great Auk' of English Literature: A Bibliography (2004), and the editor of several new editions of Masefield's work.
"A descriptive bibliography is often a labor of love; to write one for all the works of J. K. Rowling (including some ephemera, proof copies, and articles) in UK and US editions (excluding Braille and large type) from 1997 to 2013 is an act of heroism scarcely exceeded by the boy wizard himself, and worthy of this unique publishing phenomenon. Rowling herself describes the result as 'slavishly thorough' and 'mind-boggling, ' and professes to be 'humbled and deeply flattered' by it. Most might see the uses of this type of work as professional (for auctioneers) or financial (for collectors). But one may also chart textual changes, illustration history, or marketing practices of the series, thanks to the significant level of detail used for each edition of each work. Printed books and manuscripts expert Errington (Sotheby's) includes descriptions of title pages, collation, construction, size, spacing, illustration, binding, jacket, pricing, and special comments for all the books, though the other materials are less thoroughly described. The author's notes are of particular value, providing insights into the publishing history of a series and an author whose effect on publishing, popular culture, and the world at large can hardly be overstated. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels; professionals/practitioners." -M. R. Pukkila, Colby College, USA, CHOICE "Rowling's books are covered in exquisite detail ... Many of the notes read like good stories in themselves and there are some fascinating snippets of information to be had." --The Bookbag
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