First edition, first printing of the deluxe edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, signed by J.K. Rowling on the half-title page in black ink.
The book was signed in October 2000 for a U.S.-based rare book dealer at a private event. It was subsequently purchased on 8 June 2001 by the previous owner, who carefully preserved the book for nearly twenty-five years before parting with it.
The deluxe edition represents the first collector’s edition issued in the Harry Potter series. According to Errington (p. 15), the title was published on 27 September 1999 in a limited edition of only 4,869 copies. Because of this restricted limitation, authentically signed copies of the deluxe first edition are exceedingly rare.
An unread, fine copy. The red cloth binding is clean and unmarked, with two very small dents to the fore edge of the front board. The spine ends are very slightly pushed, and the corners remain sharp. The endpapers are clean and unmarked, and the pages show only the mild toning typically found in this edition. There is slight separation between the half-title and title page, while the binding itself remains excellent and sound. The blue ribbon marker is untouched and retains its original position. The gilt page edges are almost entirely free from marks.
The book is accompanied by the original dealer’s letter to the subsequent buyer, as well as a Letter of Authenticity (LoA) from Adam Houston (TheHarryPotterSpecialist), the world’s sole expert on J.K. Rowling’s signature.
A very attractive copy of an exceptionally scarce signed collector’s edition, presented in a custom-made half-leather clamshell box.
