Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

This signature appears in a first UK edition, first printing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. As J. K. Rowling conducted only a single official signing event for this title—held at Edinburgh Castle on the night of publication for a strictly limited and select number of children, authentically signed copies are exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

This particular copy was donated through Rowling’s office in support of fundraising efforts for Sven Leman’s participation in a Project Trust placement in China. The book is accompanied by the original letter addressed to Sven and has remained in his possession until late 2025. Sven has confirmed that he and Rowling’s daughter, Jessica, were close friends during their youth and were frequently cared for together by Sven’s father, Jan. Notably, an inscribed copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has recently surfaced bearing the dedication, “To Jan, which was the name of my first boyfriend,” which may plausibly refer to the same individual.

This is a fine association copy, presented in unread condition, with sharp corners and a tight, square binding. The page edges remain clean and bright, and there is no fading to the book or dust jacket. A tiny crease at the base of the spine prevents it from achieving a pristine grade. Internally, the book is immaculate, free from ownership inscriptions, marks, or dog-eared pages. It is housed in an custom blue quarter-leather clamshell box with gold gilt lettering to the spine.

The signature has been fully authenticated by Adam Houston ‘The Harry Potter Specialist,’ widely regarded as the leading authority on the authentication of Rowling’s signature. The book is accompanied by a complete authentication package, including a letter of authenticity, collector card, and the original office letter signed by Fiddy Henderson.

• Bloomsbury Publishing – Harry Potter Series
• J.K. Rowling Official Website