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  • "Who is the most important person I've ever met in a signing queue & the first person ever to see merit in Harry Potter. With huge [underlined 4 times] thanks. J.K. Rowling": First Edition, First Printing of J.K. Rowling's Rare First Book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; Inscribed by Her to Bryony Evens and with a large original illustration by Thomas Taylor

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

    London: Bloomsbury 1997.

    First edition, first printing of the rarest book in the Harry Potter series, a cornerstone of young adult literature, and one of the best-selling books of all time. First printing with “First published in Great Britain in 1997”, the full number line “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”, “Joanne Rowling” for “J.K. Rowling”, and “Thomas Taylor1997” (lacking the space) on the copyright page and “1 wand” listed twice (as the first item and last item) on the “Other Equipment” list on page 53. Octavo, original laminated pictorial boards, without a dust jacket as issued. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the dedication page,  “to Bryony – who is the most important person I’ve ever met in a signing queue & the first person ever to see merit in Harry Potter. With huge [underlined 4 times] thanks. J.K. Rowling.” Additionally signed and with a large original drawing by cover illustrator Thomas Taylor. The recipient, Bryony Evens was one of the first people to read the opening chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first to recognize the work’s inherent value, and perhaps the most instrumental figure in getting the book published. Working at the time at Christopher Little Literary Agency in Scotland, Evens was the first point of contact in receiving and sorting unsolicited manuscripts. Evens read Rowling’s submission of the first three chapters of the book and passed it along to Little, who approved that she obtain the full manuscript and promote it to suitable publishers. Given a small budget, Evens was only able to print three manuscripts to pitch to publishing houses and, after twelve months and twelve rejections, was finally given the green light by editor Barry Cunningham from Bloomsbury in London. Bloomsbury published the book on June 26, 1997. A year later, Bryony attended a Harry Potter book signing event where Rowling received her with open arms and warmly inscribed the present volume. Rowling was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International in 1990 when she conceived the idea for the Harry Potter series while on a delayed train from Manchester to London. The seven-year period that followed saw the death of her mother, birth of her first child, divorce from her first husband, and relative poverty. A true “rags to riches” story, the publication of the present volume would bring her from living on benefits to billionaire status. She was named the world’s first billionaire author by Forbes in 2014 and the Harry Potter series has become the best-selling book series of all time. In near fine condition with a touch of rubbing to the extremities. At the time of the book’s publication in 1996, illustrator Thomas Taylor had just graduated from art school and was working at Heffers Children’s Bookshop in Cambridge. At Heffers, Taylor educated himself on the children’s book market and its major publishers and decided to submit a portfolio of his illustrations to the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, including several drawings of dragons and wizards. Taylor heard back from Bloomsbury’s editor, Barry Cunningham (who had recently decided to take a chance on publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone after it had been rejected by twelve other publishers) almost immediately. Cunningham phoned him at Heffers and asked if he could create a design for the cover of a relatively unknown author’s first book about a schoolboy wizard. He sent Taylor an incomplete manuscript of the book and, after two days, Taylor had a final product: a watercolor painting of a young Harry Potter with his lightning-bolt scar standing next to the Hogwarts Express on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Only 500 copies of the first printing were published, 300 of which were distributed directly to libraries. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by the Harcourt Bindery. An exceptional association and effusive inscription to the person who first recognized the value of Harry Potter.

    Price: $975,000.00     Item Number: 115640

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  • Complete Set of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series, Including the Rare First Issue of Philosopher's Stone; Signed by Her

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter Series. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows.

    London: Bloomsbury 1997-2007.

    First editions of each book in Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Octavo, 7 volumes. All are first issues, including the first and rarest book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with “First published in Great Britain in 1997”, the full number line “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”, “Joanne Rowling” for “J.K. Rowling”, and “Thomas Taylor1997” (lacking the space) on the copyright page, “1 wand” listed twice (as the first item and last item) on the “Other Equipment” list on page 53, Wendy Cooling quote at the base of the front board. Only 500 copies of the first printing were published, 300 of which were distributed directly to libraries. Volumes 2-6 are all first editions and are fine in fine dust jackets. Each volume is signed by J.K. Rowling with the exception of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone which has an original promotional Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone card signed by Rowling laid in. Each are housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box by the Harcourt Bindery. An exceptional set, scarce and desirable, especially signed.

    Price: $350,000.00     Item Number: 141476

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  • First Edition, First Printing of J.K. Rowling's Rare First Book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; With an original Illustration of Harry Potter by Thomas Taylor

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

    London: Bloomsbury 1997.

    First edition, first printing of the rarest book in the Harry Potter series, a cornerstone of young adult literature, and one of the best-selling books of all time. First printing with “First published in Great Britain in 1997”, the full number line “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”, “Joanne Rowling” for “J.K. Rowling”, and “Thomas Taylor1997” (lacking the space) on the copyright page and “1 wand” listed twice (as the first item and last item) on the “Other Equipment” list on page 53. Octavo, original illustrated boards, without a dust jacket as issued. In fine condition. With an original illustration by cover artist Thomas Taylor of Harry Potter on the dedication page. At the time of the book’s publication in 1996, illustrator Thomas Taylor had just graduated from art school and was working at Heffers Children’s Bookshop in Cambridge. At Heffers, Taylor educated himself on the children’s book market and its major publishers and decided to submit a portfolio of his illustrations to the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, including several drawings of dragons and wizards. Taylor heard back from Bloomsbury’s editor, Barry Cunningham (who had recently decided to take a chance on publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone after it had been rejected by twelve other publishers) almost immediately. Cunningham phoned him at Heffers and asked if he could create a design for the cover of a relatively unknown author’s first book about a schoolboy wizard. He sent Taylor an incomplete manuscript of the book and, after two days, Taylor had a final product: a watercolor painting of a young Harry Potter with his lightning-bolt scar standing next to the Hogwarts Express on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Only 500 copies of the first printing were published, 300 of which were distributed directly to libraries. An exceptional example, easily one of the nicest examples extant.

    Price: $225,000.00     Item Number: 124950

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  • Complete Set of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Deluxe Editions; Each Signed by Her

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter Series Complete Deluxe Set. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows.

    London: Bloomsbury 1997-2007.

    First editions of the deluxe edition of each book in Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Octavo, 7 volumes, illustrated, original decorative cloth as issued. Each volume is signed by J.K. Rowling and were collected in person by the previous owner. The Prisoner of Azkaban is inscribed. In fine condition. No dust jackets were issued for these volumes. Scarce and desirable.

    Price: $45,000.00     Item Number: 81035

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  • "For Jenny, who does believe in magic (I do too, really) (but tell anybody)": J.K. Rowling's Rare First Book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; uniquely inscribed by her and with an original drawing by Illustrator Thomas Taylor

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

    London: Bloomsbury 1997.

    First edition, fourth printing of the rarest book in the Harry Potter series, a cornerstone of young adult literature, and one of the best-selling books of all time. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers. Presentation copy, “For Jenny, who does believe in magic (I do too, really) (but don’t tell anyone) J.K. Rowling.” Also, with an original drawing of Harry Potter by jacket illustrator Thomas Taylor. The recipient, was the vendor’s daughter Jenny, who was seven years old at the time, at the Edinburgh Literary Festival in August 1997. Jenny’s mother wrote in her journal for that month “We all went to hear Joanne Rowling reading from her first children’s book “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and were so impressed we bought a copy and Ms. Rowling signed it for Jenny. Jenny read “Harry Potter” first, then me and now she is reading it again so Peter has’nt had a chance yet! It really is a very good read”. Rowling appeared in the Tepee Tent, the smallest venue at the festival, reading extracts of the book to an audience of less than fifty people. Jenny’s mother recalls that “Jenny was aged 7 and very into wizards, magic, fairies and the like so when she took the book to be signed, she had a whispered question for Joanne Rowling – hence the inscription in the book.” At the time of the book’s publication in 1996, illustrator Thomas Taylor had just graduated from art school and was working at Heffers Children’s Bookshop in Cambridge. At Heffers, Taylor educated himself on the children’s book market and its major publishers and decided to submit a portfolio of his illustrations to the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, including several drawings of dragons and wizards. Taylor heard back from Bloomsbury’s editor, Barry Cunningham (who had recently decided to take a chance on publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone after it had been rejected by twelve other publishers) almost immediately. Cunningham phoned him at Heffers and asked if he could create a design for the cover of a relatively unknown author’s first book about a schoolboy wizard. He sent Taylor an incomplete manuscript of the book and, after two days, Taylor had a final product: a watercolor painting of a young Harry Potter with his lightning-bolt scar standing next to the Hogwarts Express on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. In very good condition. A unique inscription and drawing.

    Price: $35,000.00     Item Number: 133799

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  • “IT MATTERS NOT WHAT SOMEONE IS BORN, BUT WHAT THEY GROW TO BE": FIRST EDITION OF HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE; INSCRIBED BY J.K. ROWLING TO BRYONY EVENS

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire.

    London: Bloomsbury 2000.

    First edition of the fourth book in Rowling’s acclaimed Harry Potter series. Octavo, original illustrated boards. Association copy, inscribed by Rowling on the half-title page, “to Bryony, who really did discover Harry Potter J.K. Rowling.” The recipient, Bryony Evens was one of the first people to read the beginning chapters of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, the first to recognize the work’s inherent value, and perhaps the most instrumental figure in getting the book published. Working at the time at Christopher Little Literary Agency, Evens was the first point of contact in receiving and sorting unsolicited manuscripts. Evens read Rowling’s submission of the first three chapters of the book and passed it along to Little, who approved that she obtain the full manuscript and promote it to suitable publishers. Given a small budget, Evens was only able to print three manuscripts to pitch to publishing houses and, after twelve months and twelve rejections, was finally given the green light by editor Barry Cunningham from Bloomsbury in London. Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket illustration by Giles Greenfield. Jacket design by Richard Horne.

    Price: $20,000.00     Item Number: 115749

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  • “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live": First Edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Signed by J.K. Rowling and twice by Illustrator Mary Grandpre

    ROWLING, J.K.; ILLUSTRATED BY MARY GRANDPRE.

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

    New York: Scholastic Press 1998.

    First American edition, first printing of the first book in the Harry Potter series. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated by Mary Grandpre. Boldly signed by J.K. Rowling on the second title page. Additionally signed twice by illustrator Mary Grandpre, on the title page and on the rear dust jacket flap. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by the Harcourt Bindery. An exceptional signed example.

    Price: $20,000.00     Item Number: 139502

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  • First edition, first issue of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; warmly inscribed by J.K. Rowling

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

    London: Bloomsbury 1998.

    First edition, first issue of the second novel in Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Octavo, original illustrated boards. Association copy, inscribed by J.K. Rowling on the dedication page, “Susie and Emily (a female Fred & George) with best wishes J.K. Rowling.” The recipients, redhead twins Susie and Emily, were family friends of Bryony Evens, whom they accompanied to the Cheltenham Literary Festival where Rowling inscribed the present volume. The inscription refers to Harry Potter character Ron Weasley’s elder twin brothers and fellow redheads, Fred and George. Bryony Evens was one of the first people to read the beginning chapters of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, the first to recognize the work’s inherent value, and perhaps the most instrumental figure in getting the book published. Working at the time at Christopher Little Literary Agency, Evens was the first point of contact in receiving and sorting unsolicited manuscripts. Evens read Rowling’s submission of the first three chapters of the book and passed it along to Little, who approved that she obtain the full manuscript and promote it to suitable publishers. Given a small budget, Evens was only able to print three manuscripts to pitch to publishing houses and, after twelve months and twelve rejections, was finally given the green light by editor Barry Cunningham from Bloomsbury in London. Fine in a near fine dust jacket with toning to the spine. Jacket design by Cliff Wright. An exceptional association.

    Price: $17,500.00     Item Number: 115867

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  • "Wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure": First Edition Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Signed by J.K Rowling and several members of the 2007 film cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

    London : Bloomsbury 2003.

    First edition of the fifth novel in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series. Octavo, original illustrated boards. Boldly signed by J.K. Rowling on the title page. Additionally signed by several primary members of the 2007 film cast on the front free endpaper and pastedown, including: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). Fine in a fine dust jacket with a “Signed by the Author at Waterstones” sticker to the front panel. Jacket design by Jason Cockcroft.

    Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 143822

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  • “It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more": First Edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Signed by J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and several other members of the 2009 film cast

    ROWLING, J.K.

    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

    London: Bloomsbury 2005.

    First edition of the sixth and penultimate novel in Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Octavo, original illustrated boards. Boldly signed by J.K. Rowling on the title page. Additionally signed and inscribed by several members of the primary cast of the 2009 film including: Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) on the front free endpaper, Warwick Davis (goblin Griphook) on the half-title page, Emma Watson (Hermione Granger ) opposite the title page, Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) on the copyright page, and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn) and Julie Walters (Molly Weasley) on the dedication page. Fine in a very good dust jacket. Cover illustration by Jason Cockcroft.

    Price: $12,500.00     Item Number: 142641

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