Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Both proof variants SIGNED.

ROWLING, J.K. (born 1965).

London: Bloomsbury, 1999 [actually issued 1998]. [Fantasy adventure] UNCORRECTED PROOF COPIES, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. Octavo (21 x 14cm), pp.315; later increased to 316. Publisher's typographic printed softcovers, in purple (earliest) or green (revised). Both versions state 'Joanne Rowling on c.p., which was carried over to a small number of first edition hardbacks (being the first issue). Each book is signed by the author; in addition, within the later proof, J.K. Rowling has circled the 'dedication' text on that page (which was not yet ready) and has queried this with an inked question mark. Accompanying the pair is an original memo dated 14th January 1999 from Roz de la Hay at Bloomsbury head office, discussing the nature of these proofs, the necessity for two versions; "there were a couple of changes made at the last minute which slightly affected the plot" and disclosing the print run; "150 of the new proof (green) and 31 of the old (purple)." She adds that the purple copies should only be distributed to trusted buyers, and the differences explained. The package is completed with an original letter from booksellers Broadhurst's of Southport, who supplied this pair in 2003. Fine, fresh copies with bright white edges and virtually no wear to covers. A superb pair, likely unique in such exceptional condition, signed state and with the Bloomsbury memo, which is of great bibliographical significance. It confirms the proof print run of just 31 copies (purple) and 150 copies (green). The number of proofs had previously been thought higher, the purple at some 50 copies and green at 250 copies. 'Azkaban' was the only Rowling title which needed two separate proofs, and was the third and final title for which proofs were printed. Item #70489

Price: £75,000.00