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ROWLING (J.K.) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, UNCORRECTED PROOF COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION, INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, [1997]
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ROWLING (J.K.)
Footnotes
VERY RARE SIGNED COPY OF THE VERY FIRST APPEARANCE IN PRINT OF HARRY POTTER, for which an "unconfirmed print-run of 200 copies is generally accepted... This is also the figure noted by Bloomsbury" (Errington). We have been unable to trace any other signed and inscribed copies of this book.
The elegant inscription reflects the fact that Rowling and the recipient had known each other from almost the beginning of the Harry Potter journey. Catriona was the children's book buyer for a famous book shop in Edinburgh, advocating the merits of Rowling's first book from the moment she read this copy of the uncorrected proof copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997 when she was given it by the publisher's agent.
She later met Rowling on several occasions when she visited the shop, first to write in the shop's café, later to sign books or attend events that Catriona helped organise. This copy was actually signed in 1999, at the same time Rowling signed Catriona's copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (see lot 127). The inscription captures the extraordinary changes in the author's literary journey, from the moment the proof of this, her first book, appeared in 1997 to her burgeoning success with publication in 1999 of Azkaban, from which moment "Harry Potter" truly became the global phenomenon he has been ever since.
Provenance: Catriona, the vendor, who from 1995-2000 was the children's book buyer at a famous large Edinburgh book shop. This copy was personally inscribed by Rowling during a visit to the shop in 1999, at the same time that she signed a proof copy of The Prisoner of Azkaban (see lot 126).
Saleroom notices
Client agreed phone LB to £28,000.

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