Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
First US Edition, 26th Printing, Hardcover, Scholastic, Signed by J.K. Rowling, Fine Condition
This copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was signed during J. K. Rowling’s second American book tour in October 1999 — the pivotal tour during which Harry Potter truly took off in the United States and began its transformation into a cultural phenomenon. The 26th printing is consistent with copies made available for signing during these events, a moment in time that represents the transition from early success to international literary sensation.
The book remains in fine condition throughout. The pages are clean and bright with no internal markings, ownership inscriptions, or dog-eared pages. The boards are clean and unmarked with sharp, well-preserved corners, the binding is square and tight, and the spine tip and base remain firm and intact. The dust jacket is also in fine condition, showing no color fading, and is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover.
The signature has been fully authenticated by Adam Houston ‘The HarryPotter Specialist’, widely regarded as the leading authority on authenticating J.K. Rowling’s signature. The book is accompanied by a complete authentication package, including a Letter of Authenticity and collector card.
While later printings are more obtainable than true first U.S. printings, signed copies from the 1999 U.S. tour are increasingly scarce in such well-preserved condition, particularly those accompanied by highly respected third-party authentication. From an investment perspective, authenticated early tour signatures of the first book in the series remain among the most consistently demanded Rowling collectibles.
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by Leanne O'Leary
