First paperback edition, 23rd printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, signed by J.K. Rowling in black ink on the dedication page. The signature is a fine example of the fluid, fully connected style Rowling adopted towards the end of 1998. Number line: 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23. The copyright page credits Joanne Rowling, and the rear cover features Thomas Taylor's illustration of the young wizard.
The 23rd printing is on of the first paperback printings to feature the Hogwarts crest on both the half-title and title pages. Whit this printrun the publisher inadvertently reverted to the original first-printing text, thereby reinstating the famous double '1 wand' error on page 53, where Harry's list of school supplies mistakenly includes "1 wand" twice. The error had been corrected after the first printing but was accidentally reintroduced in the 23rd printing before being corrected once again in the 24th printing. This unusual sequence of events makes the 23rd printing one of the more interesting bibliographical variants of the paperback edition and a particularly desirable issue for collectors.
A better-than-very-good copy with light, unobtrusive creasing and minor wear to the covers, gently bumped corner tips, and slight fading to the spine. The binding remains firm and square and the pages exhibit only mild, typical age toning. Free from names, inscriptions, or other defects apart from Rowling's signature.
The signature has been fully authenticated by J.K. Rowling signature expert Adam Houston of The Harry Potter Specialist. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity and housed in a custom-made half-leather clamshell box.
