Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

New York: Scholastic Press, 1999 Illustrated by Mary GrandPré. First American edition, first printing, lacking the "Year 2" statement that was added to the spine in later printings, in a first state dust jacket, which also lacks the "Year 2" statement and is priced at $17.95. Signed by Rowling in black marker on the title page. Publisher's quarter green cloth and purple paper-covered boards with repeating diamond pattern, lettered in silver to spine; in the original pictorial dust jacket with GrandPré's illustration of Dumbledore's phoenix saving Harry. About fine book, with light sunning to spine ends and bottom edges of boards, a hint of spotting to top edge of text block, and previous owner USF professor Beverley Hock's address label to front free endpaper; fine unclipped dust jacket. Overall, an exceptional signed copy. Errington A2(c). The second volume of the Harry Potter series, this novel follows Harry and his friends during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they investigate the recently re-opened Chamber of Secrets. Notably, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets foreshadows many of the series' future developments, especially the relationship between Harry and Lord Voldemort that is particularly expanded upon in the sixth novel, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In October of 1999, J.K. Rowling came to the US to tour and promote her third book in the Harry Potter series, The Prisoner of Azkaban. Leading up to its release, Rowling's popularity in the US was finally catching up with her popularity in the UK, and there was significant competition among US bookstores to have Rowling sign at their locations. One of the lucky winners was San Francisco's Cover to Cover, owned by Nicky Salan. Dr. Beverley Hock was friends with many San Francisco booksellers, including Nicky. After obtained a coveted admission ticket to the Cover to Cover signing, Beverly was able to get US copies of the first three Harry Potter books signed by Rowling. Dr. Beverly Vaughn Hock (Ed.D.) is a professor at the University of San Francisco, who specializes in children's literature. She has led children's literature study tours around the world and contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature. The Northern California Children's Booksellers Association honored her with the Otter Award for her "ongoing and unique role in bringing children and books together," and the Iris Center named her one of the "Outstanding Women of San Francisco." . Signed by Author. First American Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Dust Jacket Included. Illus. by GrandPre, Mary.