First edition, first printing hardback of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, full numberline 10-1, signed by J.K Rowling to the title page in October 1998 at the Cheltenham Children's Literature Festival. Included with the book is a handwritten letter from the previous owner, which narrates the delightful story behind the signing. At the event, the previous owner's youngest daughter was asked by the organizer to present a large plastic flower to J.K. Rowling at the end of her talk. However, as the children were leaving the hall, the young girl forgot to present the flower and instead held onto it tightly as she queued for the signing. J.K. Rowling was so charmed by this that she offered to write a special message in the book, despite her agent's suggestion to only sign her name due to time constraints. Being a book collector, the father respectfully requested just the signature. Fully authenticated by J.K. Rowling signature expert Adam Houston of The Harry Potter Specialist. Comes with a Letter of Authenticity and a collector’s card with interesting details.
This unread copy is in near fine condition, with firm top corners and slightly pushed bottom corners. The spine tip is firm, the spine foot is very lightly pushed. The boards remain sharp with no fading. The interior is completely clean, free of names, inscriptions, dog-ears, or other flaws. The pages are unusually bright with hardly any of the usual browning at the edges.The fine first state dust jacket is without fading, edgewear or shelfwear. Housed in a half-leather clamshell box
A wonderful collector's item, combining a rare early signature with a unique and charming backstory.
