While in Milan last month I walked by the bookshop where I purchased a copy of the first Harry Potter book during a previous trip to Italy.

In my post Harry Potter in English I mentioned that I have picked up copies of the first book in different languages as I have traveled around the world.

I have already written posts about the Spanish and German editions and have a few more to write after this one.

The title in Italian is Harry Potter e la pietra filosofale. Of course the book was written by J. K. Rowling.

The copy I have is a later paperback edition. I do like the cover art with the representation of the chess game that was played near the end of the book. There are also some really neat illustrations throughout the book that are much different from other editions that I have.

The back cover is pretty basic with only a description of the story in Italian, however it does have an interesting drawing of a character with a big hat. I think that this may be Ron since he is not wearing glasses.

I have also seen pictures of a cover in Italian that is closer to the original English language cover. It is probably from the first hardback edition.

The back flyleaf has pictures of the first five books. At the time of my visit these were the only ones available.

Here are the Italian titles for the entire series:

1. Harry Potter e la  peitra filosafale
2. Harry Potter e la camera dei segreti
3. Harry Potter e il prigioniero di Azkaban
4. Harry Potter e il calice di fuoco
5. Harry Potter e l’Ordine della Fenice
6. Harry Potter e il principe mezzosangue
7. Harry Potter e i Doni della Morte

I know a tiny bit of Italian, and maybe just a bit more after reading through the titles and comparing them to the English titles.

Have you ever bought a copy of one of your favorite books in another language?

Steven