Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
First UK Deluxe Edition, First Printing, Hardcover 2003, Signed and Inscribed by J.K. Rowling, Fine Condition
The first UK deluxe edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was published on the 6th October 2003. By that time the first trade edition had already been available for several months, and J. K. Rowling was no longer undertaking public signing events. As a result, authentically signed and inscribed copies of this deluxe edition are exceptionally scarce. To date, this is only the second example ever recorded or known to exist, making it a remarkable rarity within the field of Harry Potter collecting. The inscription, written in blue ink, reads: “To Betty, Happy 70 !! With love from J.K. Rowling X.” The personal nature of the inscription adds an appealing and unique association to the volume.
Despite the large number of first printing copies produced, Order of the Phoenix remains one of the most difficult Harry Potter titles to locate with a genuine signature. Rowling had recently become a mother and significantly reduced her public appearances, resulting in very few opportunities for copies from this period to be signed.
The book itself is bright, clean and apparently unread, with no internal markings, ownership inscriptions, dog-eared pages or notable defects. Overall, the book presents in fine condition, making it a particularly attractive collector’s example.
The volume is fully authenticated by Adam Houston, widely regarded as the leading authority on authenticating Rowling’s signatures, and is accompanied by a complete authentication package including a letter of authenticity and collector card.
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by Leanne O'Leary
