Near pristine copy of the first edition, first softcover printing of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, signed by J.K. Rowling on the dedication page in black pen.
The book was signed at Whitworth Hall in Manchester during the release of the paperback in early 1999. Included is a copy of a letter from the previous owner, Genevieve, who was three years old when her mother took her and her sister to the signing, where they purchased two copies. Her mother read from her sister’s copy to both children, leaving this copy unread.
The paperback edition of Chamber of Secrets was issued on 28 January 1999, almost seven months after the hardback, with Rowling appearing at King’s Cross Station, London, to promote the launch.
A minor push to the upper corner tip of the back cover is noted, the book otherwise remaining in exceptional overall condition. Authentic signed copies of this first paperback edition are scarce on the market, and examples in near pristine, unread condition such as this one, retaining bright colours, a sharp spine, and crisp pages, are increasingly difficult to source.
The book is housed in a custom-made half-leather clamshell box. Also included is a Letter of Authenticity (LoA) from Adam Houston of The Harry Potter Specialist, the world’s sole expert on J.K. Rowling’s signature, as well as a collector’s card.
