An exceptionally scarce copy of the first UK Bloomsbury edition, second hardback printing, of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, published in 1998. Near-fine book in a fine original dust jacket, with the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2.
With a print run of just 200 copies, the second hardback printing represents the smallest recorded print run of any impression in the entire Harry Potter series, according to Philip W. Errington's J.K. Rowling: A Bibliography (Bloomsbury, 2017, p. 68).
While first-printing copies of Chamber of Secrets appear on the market with some regularity, examples of this remarkably limited second printing are rarely encountered. Its extraordinary scarcity makes it a particularly desirable addition to a comprehensive collection of early Harry Potter editions.
This early impression also predates the introduction of the Hogwarts crest on the half-title and title pages, which did not appear until the eighth hardback printing.
The book is exceptionally well preserved, with only minor bumping to the lower front corner of the boards. The spine ends remain sharp, and the binding is tight and firm. The endpapers and text block are immaculate, with no names, inscriptions or other markings. The pages are unusually fresh and bright, showing none of the age-related browning commonly encountered in early Bloomsbury printings.
The original, unclipped first-state dust jacket is in fine condition, with no noticeable wear or fading, retaining its original vibrant colours.
An outstanding example of one of the most elusive printings in the Harry Potter series, combining exceptional bibliographical rarity with a remarkably high standard of preservation.
