Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
First UK Edition, First Printing, Hardcover 2016, Signed by J.K. Rowling with Provenance
The first stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered at London’s Palace Theatre in 2016. The two-part stage production, written by British playwright Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany, was based on an original collaborative story developed by J.K. Rowling, Tiffany and Thorne. Following extraordinary global demand ahead of the premiere, it was announced that the script would be published in book form by Little, Brown on 31st July 2016, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after modern publications connected with the Harry Potter phenomenon.
Offered here is a first edition, first printing copy, signed by J.K. Rowling to the title page in bold black ink. The signature was obtained on the red carpet at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 12th February 2017. Rowling signings have become increasingly scarce in recent years, particularly copies signed directly to the title page rather than via bookplates, and examples with clear event provenance such as this are especially desirable among collectors. The book is accompanied by the official BAFTA programme from the event as well as the original event ticket, providing a tangible and desirable link to the occasion at which the signature was obtained.
The book presents in near fine condition, with a fine dust jacket. It remains unread, with a tight binding and bright, clean page edges free from toning. There is minor bumping to the spine tip and base as well as some very light shelf wear to the corners, but otherwise the book remains in excellent condition. The dust jacket is not price-clipped, shows no fading, and presents in near perfect condition. Internally the book is immaculate, free from marks, ownership inscriptions, or dog-eared pages. Overall, this is a superb example, highly worthy of inclusion in any serious Harry Potter or modern first edition collection. The book comes protected in a custom black leather clamshell box, with compartments built in to house the book, the event ticket and the event program.
This example has been fully authenticated by Adam Houston, The Harry Potter Specialist, widely regarded as the leading authority in verifying J.K. Rowling signatures. The book is accompanied by a full authentication package, including a letter of authenticity, collector card and provenance.
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by Leanne O'Leary
