A school librarian discovered two Harry Potter books signed by JK Rowling left on a shelf for more than 20 years that are now worth thousands, Wales Online reports. Janette Tuckwell met the legendary author on a school trip to Waterstones store in 1999, where JK Rowling talked to the pupils about the early books in her series, which were not yet the global phenomenon they would go on to become.
After the question and answer session, JK Rowling signed two first edition copies of Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and gifted them to Janette. The mum-of-two, who lives near Bristol, had forgotten about the books that had been laying on a dusty shelf for over 23 years when she realised they may be of high value now.
Hansons Auctioneers are now selling off the copies, which are expected to be worth around £1,500 to £2,000. The librarian had been working at Millfield Preparatory School in Glastonbury, Somerset, when she was contacted by staff at a nearby Waterstones book shop who told her the famous author was paying a visit.
She said: “They told me they had a children’s author coming to the shop and 'would I Iike to arrange for pupils to come along?' I said yes and, together with an English teacher, took a Year 6 class of 10- and 11-year-old pupils to the store. The children’s author turned out to be JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books.
"At that time, her books were popular but the Potter phenomenon hadn't gone global. She was brilliant with the pupils. I remember being very impressed by her dedication and the way she handled the children’s questions. If they asked something about the books she would refer to a character or plot line to make sure they had read it. She was very thorough and professional.
“I took a photo of her with the pupils and she signed two books for me. They have been gathering dust on a bookshelf for more than 20 years but, after reading an article about how sought-after Potter books are, I decided to contact Hansons Auctioneers.”
Janette who worked at the school for 21 years added: “The Potter books were a godsend to libraries. They got so many kids into reading, they had to keep up as they liked to discuss the plot with their friends."
The first edition, 23rd issue paperback of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and a first edition, first issue paperback of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be sold on March 7. A photograph of the pupils with JK Rowling will also be included with the books, which are being sold as a pair to prove the authenticity of the signature.
Hansons’ books expert Jim Spencer said: "In a market completely flooded with fake Rowling signatures, it's lovely to have such great provenance with these signed books. It's nice to think of those excited children going to meet JK Rowling in 1999. It highlights just what makes Harry Potter so special. Not many books get children queuing up to meet the author.
"The original photograph is proof of the event, which means collectors around the world can bid with confidence. It is also a heart-warming memento of a reading craze, before any of the films had been made.”
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