Finnish Edition

The first Finnish edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry Potter ja viisasten kivi) was published by Tammi on 28 September 1998, making it one of the earliest authorized translations in the world—appearing just over a year after the UK original and shortly after the Dutch and German editions. Its early release helped spark the rise of Harry Potter fandom in Finland and remains a milestone in the series’ international publishing history.

The translation was done by Jaana Kapari-Jatta, who would go on to translate the entire series and earn lasting acclaim for her work. Her thoughtful and often playful choices gave Finnish readers a vivid and culturally resonant experience of Rowling’s text. Key terms like Tylypahka (Hogwarts) and Pimeyden Lordi (the Dark Lord) have since become ingrained in Finnish popular culture.

This first edition was issued as a hardcover, a bold choice at the time when many translations began with paperbacks. It features original cover artwork by Mika Launis, whose illustrations became instantly recognizable for their distinctive style—most notably, the exaggeratedly large noses of the characters. This artistic choice, both whimsical and unconventional, has made the Finnish series covers among the most visually memorable in the global Harry Potter canon. Launis’s depiction of Harry standing in front of a bright red train remains an iconic image in Finnish children’s literature.

While later printings are common, true first editions from 1998 are significantly rarer, particularly in near-fine condition with no just jacket provided. Their combination of early publication, unique visual design, and literary fidelity has made them highly collectible.

The Finnish edition is celebrated for both its linguistic artistry and bold visual identity. This copy, acquired via private sale in Helsinki, remains a standout piece in the collection—not only as a bibliographic rarity, but as a beloved expression of Finnish literary and artistic interpretation.