Category Archives: Signed By Author

The Magical Pursuit of Collecting Harry Potter Books Signed by J.K. Rowling

In the world of book collecting, few series have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers quite like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. With its enchanting narrative, richly developed characters, and immersive wizarding world, the Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with fans of all ages. For avid collectors, the ultimate treasure is to own a Harry Potter book personally signed by the author herself, J.K. Rowling. In this journey through the world of collecting signed Harry Potter books, we will explore the allure, the challenges, and the profound connection that these signed copies represent.

The Allure of Signed Harry Potter Books

The allure of owning a Harry Potter book signed by J.K. Rowling lies in the convergence of literary passion and personal connection. These books are not mere objects; they are tokens of Rowling’s creative genius, a tangible link between the author and the reader. For fans who have grown up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the entire Hogwarts universe, possessing a signed copy is akin to owning a piece of magic itself.

  • Rarity and Scarcity

One of the primary factors that make collecting signed Harry Potter books so enticing is their rarity and scarcity. J.K. Rowling is famously selective when it comes to signing books, making her autograph a precious commodity for collectors. As the series gained popularity, the number of opportunities to obtain her signature became increasingly limited. Rowling ceased signing books on request due to the sheer volume of requests she received, making the hunt for signed copies even more challenging.

  • Increasing Value

The value of signed Harry Potter books has seen a remarkable appreciation over the years. As collectors scramble to add these treasures to their collections, prices have skyrocketed. First editions, especially those signed by Rowling, have become highly sought after, with some fetching exorbitant prices at auctions and rare book dealers. Collectors not only appreciate the emotional connection but also the potential investment value of their acquisitions.

  • Unique Personal Connection

When you own a Harry Potter book signed by J.K. Rowling, it’s as if you have a personal connection to the author herself. The signature represents a moment in time when Rowling acknowledged your love for her work. Owning a signed copy makes the magic of Harry Potter feel more real, as if you are part of an exclusive club of fans who have been touched by the author’s hand.

The Challenges of Collecting Signed Harry Potter Books

While the allure of owning signed Harry Potter books is undeniable, the pursuit is not without its challenges. Collectors must navigate numerous obstacles to acquire these rare gems.

  • Limited Availability

As mentioned earlier, J.K. Rowling has limited the opportunities for fans to obtain her signature. She no longer accepts requests for signed books by mail, which means collectors must rely on rare bookstores, auctions, or special events where she may make appearances. These events are infrequent and often highly competitive.

  • Authentication

The authenticity of a signed book is of paramount importance to collectors. With the increasing value of signed Harry Potter books, there has been a rise in counterfeit signatures and forged books. To ensure the authenticity of a signed copy, collectors often seek certification from reputable authentication services.

  • Cost

The cost of acquiring a signed Harry Potter book can be prohibitively high for many collectors. The scarcity and demand for these books drive up prices, making them inaccessible to all but the most dedicated and affluent collectors. For some, the pursuit of a signed copy may remain a dream due to the financial barriers.

The Profound Connection

Beyond the rarity, the investment potential, and the challenges, collecting signed Harry Potter books represents a profound connection between the reader and the author. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of Rowling’s storytelling and the way it has touched the lives of millions around the world.

  • A Shared Journey

Collectors of signed Harry Potter books share a unique journey with the author. Rowling’s signature on a book symbolizes the bond between the creator and the fans who have followed Harry’s adventures from the very beginning. It’s a reminder that the magic of the series lives on in the hearts of its readers.

  • A Personalized Experience

When J.K. Rowling signs a book, she often includes a personalized message or dedication. These messages can be incredibly meaningful to the recipient, adding a personal touch to an already special possession. Collectors treasure these messages as much as the signature itself.

  • A Legacy of Imagination

The Harry Potter series has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and popular culture. Owning a signed copy is a way for collectors to become stewards of this literary legacy, preserving it for future generations of readers and fans.

Collecting Harry Potter books signed by J.K. Rowling is a pursuit driven by passion, nostalgia, and the desire to hold a piece of literary history. These books, rare and coveted, represent a unique connection between the author and her readers, transcending the boundaries of the page. While the challenges and costs associated with collecting signed copies are formidable, the rewards are immeasurable. Each signed book is a tangible reminder of the magic and wonder of the wizarding world, and the enduring power of storytelling to captivate the hearts of millions. For collectors, the journey is as enchanting as the destination, as they chase the dream of holding a piece of J.K. Rowling’s magic in their hands.

Photo credit: Natasha G from Pixabay

To Kill A Mockingbird signed by Harper Lee

Harper Lee has been the focus of massive media attention recently with the publication of Go Set A Watchman, the sequel to her Pulitzer Prize winning To Kill A Mockingbird. Surprisingly,  a recent attempt to sell some personal letters at auction fell flat, although there seems to be considerable renewed interest in snapping up a rare signed first edition of her well-loved first novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Personal letters of Harper Lee fail to sell at auction | Books …
http://www.theguardian.com/culture
After much advance press coverage, and in a year of unprecedented interest in the private life of Harper Lee, six personal letters of hers on sale at Christie’s on Friday have failed to sell at auction. The six letters were addressed to Lee’s architect friend, Harold Caulfield, and dated between … The letters were also signed with comic pseudonyms, including “the prisoner of Zenda.” In the last six months Lee has been the subject of many headlines, most of them relating to …

Harper Lee’s ‘Go Set a Watchman’ sells over 1 million in first week …
Rand Daily Mail, on Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:11:15 -0700
Harper Lee’s unexpected new novel “Go Set A Watchman” has become the fastest selling book in the history of publisher HarperCollins, with more than 1.1 million copies sold in North America in the first week, the company said on Monday. The novel was …

 Be Suspicious of the New Harper Lee Novel – Jezebel
http://jezebel.com/
Two and a half months after the death of Harper Lee’s sister (and lawyer) and 55 years since the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, HarperCollins has announced the summer release of Go Set a Watchman, the elusive …

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James Joyce signed copies go under the hammer

If there was ever any doubt about just how valuable an investment in signed first editions can be, the numbers associated with James Joyce signed copies in an upcoming  Bonhams auction on June 24th should put paid to them. The books come from the library of  a “deceased Irish collector” who lived in the United States and include gems such as a signed first edition of Ulysses and a rare Henri Matisse illustrated edition.

First editions: ‘Ulysses’ signed by James Joyce, (€82000-€110000)
Irish Times, on Fri, 12 Jun 2015

The top lot is a first edition copy of Ulysses, published in Paris in 1922, and estimated at £60,000-£80,000 (€82,000-€110,000). The copy is catalogued as “First Edition, Number 282 of 750 copies on ‘hand-made paper’, from an edition limited to 1,000 copies” and is inscribed: “To Lewis Galantière James Joyce Paris 11 February 1922”. …

Rare Henri Matisse-Illustrated Edition Of Ulysses Under The Hammer
ArtLyst, on Thu, 11 Jun 2015

Another notable lot in the auction includes a signed first edition of Ulysses, which was given to Lewis Galantiere, an American translator of French literature, who was living in Paris when he met the Irish author. The February 11, 1922 copy, which is

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Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton’s ‘Hard Choices’ Book Signing Tour

If you believe, like many, that the release of Hillary Clinton’s new book Hard Choices and related book tour is a prelude to her 2016 presidential bid, now is a great time to snap up a signed copy. Here’s a round up of how the tour has been going.

A surprise visitor stops by Hillary Clinton’s book signing – CBS News

2 days ago Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor dropped by Clinton’s book signing at a Costco warehouse in suburban Virginia, and surprised the …

Saturday at Costco: Hillary Clinton and Sonia Sotomayor … – Politico

2 days ago This was Clinton’s fourth store signing since her book went on sale on June 10, and her events have attracted as many men as women, and …

Watters’ World Goes to Hillary Clinton’s NYC Book Signing | Fox …

13 hours ago Jesse Watters went to Hillary Clinton’s book signing in New York City to ask attendees about the former secretary of state.

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True You signed by Janet Jackson

The five-time Grammy Award-winning international superstar and member of one of the world’s most famous celebrity families Janet Jackson has recently been thrilling fans at meet and greet book signing sessions for the launch of her autobiography, a guide to personal growth and self-esteem – True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself.

Fans queued around the block for the chance of seeing their idol at Barnes & Noble on Fifth Avenue in New York last Saturday. Watch one lucky admirer’s encounter in the video below:

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First Step 2 Forever signed by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber signing and photo event at The Garage, London, December 2010
Justin Bieber signing and photo event at The Garage, London, December 2010 a photo by hmv_getcloser on Flickr.

Just as we thought celebrity memoir authors couldn’t get any younger, along comes teen heartthrob singer songwriter Justin Bieber, who at the ripe old age of 16, published an autobiography – Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story.

Love him or hate him, it’s difficult to ignore the Canadian-born celebrity whom The Guardian described as “more influential online than the Dalai Lama or US president” – when he turned 17 a few days ago on 1st March, Twitter was swamped with messages from his adoring fans and those same fans turned out in their thousands, some camping on the street overnight to be first in the queue, for the chance to meet and greet the star and have a copy of the memoir signed in person at book stores across the globe.

Packed with picture spreads and original Tweets from Bieber, First Step 2 Forever is clearly a must have for the super-fan and a signed book investment for collectors. Certainly one reviewer on Amazon claims that it’s “the best book in history”, but I think the rest of us might take that claim with a pinch of salt!

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Susan Boyle meets and greets fans at London book signing!


Susan Boyle SuBo
Originally uploaded by another_shoot

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift this year, there’s bound to be somebody in the family who would surely enjoy a copy of Susan Boyle’s new CD The Gift alongside a copy of her recently published autobiography – The Woman I Was Born To Be.

The shy Scottish singer was in London this week to meet and greet hundreds of fans of all ages who queued outside Waterstone’s, in Piccadilly, for the chance to chat to her and have their copy of the autobiography signed by the star herself!

As is clear from the video below, SuBo’s overnight success hasn’t gone to her head and she seems delighted to meet her fans and greet them all individually!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k87Gh585UTA

Tony Blair cancels book signings amid antiwar protests

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined the ranks of numerous politicians to have written their memoirs after leaving office. Since the release of “A Journey” earlier this month, however, Blair’s tour of personal appearances and book signings have been accompanied by antiwar demonstrators and angry protests. His announcement that he will donate all profits from the autobiography to the Royal British Legion – the charity which cares for injured servicemen – has also divided public opinion.

The New York Times reported this week that he had even been forced to cancel appearances:

After Antiwar Protest, Blair Cancels Appearance

By RACHEL LEE HARRIS
Published: September 6, 2010

The former British prime minister Tony Blair has cancelled the next book signing of his new memoir, “A Journey.”

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Books Authored and Signed by American Presidents

By David Thoreau

In recent years there has been a growing audience for books authored and signed by American Presidents. This article explores some of the most common books authored and signed by modern American presidents.

One of the earliest American presidents to author a book was Thomas Jefferson and his only full-length book known as Notes on the State of Virginia. Originally written in 1782 and published anonymously in Paris, Notes on the State of Virginia contains Jefferson’s political philosophy interspersed with geographic descriptions of the State of Virginia. Signed copies bearing Thomas Jefferson’s autograph are known to exist but are exquisitely rare.

More recently, Calvin Coolidge gained notoriety as a syndicated newspaper columnist after his career in politics. His autobiography was published in 1928 and copies bearing the inscription “Cordially Calvin Coolidge” in blue ink occasionally appear on the autograph marketplace.

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