Occitan Edition

The Occitan translation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the rarest confirmed first edition of any official Harry Potter translation, with just 148 copies printed in the initial run. Published by Per Noste Edicions on 31 September 2009, the book was printed on demand—meaning additional batches were produced only as the previous ones sold out.

As of July 2023, the publisher confirmed to me that 980 copies of Philosopher’s Stone and 380 copies of Chamber of Secretshad been printed in total. However, no changes were made to the copyright page or internal text across different printings, so there’s no definitive method for identifying the true first edition. That said, there are distinct physical differences that can help rule a copy in or out.

Notably, first printings are slightly thicker and taller than subsequent reprints. In later versions, part of the artist’s name on the cover is cut off—an indication that a thinner paper stock was used. While these features suggest an earlier print, the publisher does not have detailed production records to confirm whether the change occurred after the first print run or later. As such, a thinner and shorter copy is certainly not a first edition, whereas a thicker and taller one may be—though it cannot be confirmed with certainty unless provenance is established.

This translation was commissioned with the intent of encouraging Occitan-speaking teenagers to read in their native language. The cover artwork is completely unique to this edition and has drawn attention from collectors for its childlike, almost naive style. The artist, known simply as Kalou, was a personal friend of the publisher. She created the cover using cardboard and paint, staying true to her own artistic style without external direction. Interestingly, digital text is faintly visible beneath the paint, adding to the cover’s distinctive handmade appearance.

The translation itself was carried out by Karina Richard Bòrdanava, an amateur volunteer rather than a professional translator. Her knowledge of English was reportedly limited, and she completed the translation through her involvement with a local association that could access translation rights for free. At the time, Per Noste operated with only a secretary and volunteer contributors, including Karina. She was not paid for her work; instead, the publisher gave her 20 copies from the first print run as a token of appreciation.

These 20 contributor copies represent the only reliably verifiable first printings. Many were gifted to Karina’s friends and family, and locating one of these rare originals is currently the only way a collector can be reasonably confident of owning a true first edition. The book displayed in the image above and in my collection is one of these copies, warmly inscribed to myself from Karina.