First American edition, first printing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, signed by J.K. Rowling in thick black marker on the title page. Rowling held only one event in the United States after the release of the book. On August 1, 2006, she participated in a unique and exclusive event titled “An Evening with Harry, Carrie, and Garp” held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event brought together J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and John Irving, who each read excerpts from their works. J.K. Rowling read a passage involving Harry and Dumbledore using a Pensieve to witness Tom Riddle's acceptance into Hogwarts.
The event was a benefit for two charitable organizations: The Haven Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Signed books were sent out later to customers who purchased one of a limited number of “Family Packages” offered at $1,000.00 each. Buyers of this package would receive a signed book from each of the three authors. However, there was no guarantee that the signed books were first printings, and many collectors who expected to receive a first printing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were disappointed to receive a second printing instead.
As this was the only opportunity to obtain signed copies in the United States, it is notoriously difficult to find signed first printing copies like this one.
The book and dust jacket are in fine condition. The book is undoubtedly unread and has been carefully stored for the last 19 years. Comes in a custom-made half-leather clamshell box. 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 an interesting collector’s card.
