First paperback edition, 22nd printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, signed by J.K. Rowling on 20 November 1998 during the Sheffield Children's Book Award ceremony for the distinguished British children's author Robert Swindells. Swindells attended the event as one of Rowling's principal competitors, with two shortlisted titles, Nightmare Stairs and Smash. The award was ultimately presented to Rowling for her debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The Sheffield Children's Book Award was, and remains, one of the United Kingdom's most respected children's literary prizes, distinguished by the fact that the winning title is chosen by thousands of schoolchildren rather than by a professional jury.
Robert Swindells is one of Britain's most acclaimed children's authors. He was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 1993 for Stone Cold, his acclaimed novel about youth homelessness, and has received numerous other literary honours throughout his career. Ironically, although Rowling herself never received the Carnegie Medal, this association copy demonstrates the esteem in which she was held by one of its recipients.
The book is signed in black ink on the half-title page. Affixed to the upper right corner of the same page is the ownership label of Mrs. Brenda Swindells, wife of Robert Swindells. The couple placed these printed ownership labels in the books that formed part of their personal library, providing exceptional provenance linking this copy directly to the Carnegie Medal-winning author. In the lower right corner of the signed page, Robert Swindells has added the contemporary inscription "20/11/98 SHEFFIELD" in the same black pen used by Rowling for her signature, recording the date and location at which the book was signed.
A virtually excellent copy. The only notable flaw is fading to the spine, encroaching slightly onto the top edge of the front cover and the rear spine fold. Otherwise, the book presents exceptionally well. The binding is square and firm, and the pages are bright and clean with scarcely any of the usual toning. Free from any names, inscriptions, or other defects.
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. Housed in a custom-made, exquisitely crafted half-leather clamshell box.
