Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
First UK Edition, First Printing, Bloomsbury 2000, Hardcover, Signed by J.K. Rowling, Omnia Printing
The book presented here is a first edition, first printing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire signed in black ballpoint pen on Monday 10th July 2000 in The Ball room at the assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, for a signing event scheduled for between 19:00-20:00. This was Rowling’s largest UK tour for any book in the series and the vast majority of copies were simply flat signed. The book is accompanied by the original golden ticket, hole punched on the day, which permitted attendees to meet Rowling and have their book signed.
For the launch of the book in July 2000, J.K. Rowling embarked on a four day Hogwarts Express Book Tour, setting off in a red steam train from Kings Cross Station, visiting Oxford (Didcot), Manchester, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth. Books signed on this first part of the tour are more sought after and come with Golden Tickets with the title Hogwarts Express Book Tour across the top. J.K. Rowling returned a few days later for signing events at Harrods (London), Hatchards (London), Borders Books (Brighton), Ottakers (Kent) and Books etc (London). Here golden tickets were again issued however these tickets do not have the title across the top meaning that books signed at these later events are not as collectable.
Most UK first printing copies were printed by Clays Ltd, but this copy was printed by Omnia Books Limited in Glasgow, making it particularly uncommon and highly sought after. This copy appears unread, with a square and tight binding and clean, white page edges which is rare for this book. The exterior of the book is in fine condition aside from some creasing to the base of the spine, which is the books only major flaw. Internally, there are no ownership inscriptions, marks, tears, or dog-eared pages. The dust jacket is in fine condition with no colour fading and is protected in a removable Brodart dust jacket cover.
The signature comes fully authenticated by Adam Houston, The Harry Potter Specialist, the world’s leading expert in authenticating J.K. Rowling’s signature. The copy comes with a full authentication package, including a letter of authenticity, collector card, and golden ticket. Included is a navy blue cloth clamshell box with red inner trays and gold gilt lettering to the spine.
This Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire first UK edition first printing, printed by Omnia Books Limited is a highly desirable collector’s copy. Early signatures from the Hogwarts Express Book Tour, especially those accompanied by the titled golden ticket, are significantly rarer and more sought after than at the later signing events.
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by Leanne O'Leary
