HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

(New York): Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic Press, 1998. Later printing. Fine in a fine jacket.. Signed early printing of the US edition of the first book in the Harry Potter series, with the slightly altered title (from "Philosopher's" to "Sorcercer's") and the vivid illustrations by Mary GrandPré. The Harry Potter series, about a boy who goes to a wizard school, has been the biggest literary phenomenon of our lifetime. The books remain formative for millions, including the many readers who reject Rowling's agitations against trans rights. This copy from the personal collection of Mary and Robert Brown, longtime owners of Books, Bytes, and Beyond bookstore in Glen Rock, NJ, who hosted Rowling for an event in October 1999, where this book was signed. Due to the strength of the forgery market, Rowling signatures are justifiably suspect. Authentically signed copies with clear provenance, like this one, are therefore more desirable. An excellent example of her early signature. 9'' x 6''. Original quarter red cloth, purple paper boards, gilt-lettered spine (no "Year 1"). In original unclipped ($17.95) color pictorial dust jacket with art by GrandPré. Dark green endpapers. Illustrated throughout in black and white by Grandpré. 21st printing. viii, 309, [1], [2] pages. Signed by Rowling in black ink on title page. Overall clean, bright, sharp, and tight. (Inventory #: 52212)