Bradley Eric - Harry Potter--The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard

In the U.S. alone, there are more than 160 million Harry Potter books.

Demand is so strong that items with even peripheral ties to the films and books are seeing an up-tick in interest and value. The market for mystical-looking flags made 70 years ago and other antique, vintage, and retro round eyeglasses similar to those worn by Harry, yet produced decades before the original book series, now are sought by adult cosplayers. These fans are seeking more collectibles and new ideas for ever more elaborate costumes and collections. Successful replica companies have opened to meet demand for movie prop weapons and wands, and even these items have begun increasing between collectors ... but there is no replacement for the real thing.

Harry, Hermione and Ron show their Hogwarts House pride in this snap from the film,Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Costumes and props from the film are hugely valuable following worldwide tours and exhibitions.

Back at the auction, as the hammer fell, I watched the sellers burst into tears. The auctioneers cry of sold for $394,000! for Rowlings chair set a world record and raised the ceiling on the value of Harry Pottery. (For more about the chair and photos, see .)

From movie props to rare exclusives, Harry Potter collectibles speak volumes about Rowlings characters and how her marvelous creations have touched an entire generation. This book will show you where to find specialty movie props and delve into the diversity of the mass-marketed items created to satisfy fans never-ending appetite for all things Potter.

As is the case with all collectibles, condition and rarity are the two main factors that influence price. This book aims to depict top examples from several different collecting categories. It also will touch on the history of Harry Pottery categories.

As you read the book, pay special attention to the Did you know? tip boxes distributed across its chapters. These little factoids will open the window further into the wizarding world. There are no rules on what toys to collect but there criteria all valuable collections have in common: condition, authenticity, provenance, exposure and quality. Combined, well learn how to focus on the most popular collecting genres and target the most valuable examples in each.

Youll also hear from Harry Pottery collectors themselves as well as some of the most important websites and collectors who specialize in the culture relating to the books, films, play and more. With that, I hope you point your wand and, with a whisper of accio, pull this book into your own treasured collection of Harry Potter collectibles.

Destined only for theatrical release, original movie posters are now hot commodities to fans and collectors. This poster for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets can be had for between $40 and $100.

Courtesy Heritage Auctions, ha.com

Excited New York City children celebrate Harry Potter: The Exhibition making its final North American tour stop at Discovery Times Square on April 5, 2011 in New York City.

No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.

J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a serious student of witchcraft, magic, divination, and alchemy.

Finding the real philosophers stone has been a mission for alchemists for centuries. Grindylows are not friendly mermaids. Heroes are not heroes until they learn of their mysterious past, for heroes must suffer a traumatic event and rely upon supernatural help to succeed on great and dangerous journeys.

It is no wonder that Harry Potter and Voldemort carry a bit of each other inside them. The struggle is real, my friends, and their explosive relationship in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers (or Philosophers) Stone launched millions of fans into a wonderful world full of mystery, spells, and tortured characters.

Hard to believe it all started with just 500 copies.

The first printing of the first edition of the British version of the initial Harry Potter novel was the result of an extremely small press run on June 26, 1997 by Bloomsbury in England. Rowlings hugely successful novels about a boy wizard scooped up most childrens literature awards in the UK and in the U.S. after its publication under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in 1998. It stayed near the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list for most of 1999 and 2000. Like the succeeding novels in the seven-book series, it was turned into a feature film, making stars of its three young main actors and engaging a host of major British actors.