A Harry Potter book with a personal message from JK Rowling will hit the market for nearly £3,000 after a librarian decided to sell her one-of-a-kind copy. Emily Daw was ten when she met JK Rowling after the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. Emily was one of ten students chosen to meet the author and have her sign a copy of the first edition .
The note, dated March 17, 1998, read: “To Emily who looks the way I imagine Ginny Weasley looks (you’ll have to read book two!) JK Rowling.”
In the book, Ginny is said to have fiery red hair and a freckled complexion – a perfect match for Emily, who lived in Richmond, London at the time.
Actress Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, also sported signature auburn locks.
JK Rowling was invited to talk to students at Putney High School in London about her debut novel when she was struck by Emily’s appearance.
Now 35 years old and a Chartered Accountant, Emily is selling the book, which is expected to fetch between £2,000 and £3,000 at auction.
Emily, who lives in Wimbledon, South West London, said: “I loved reading the first Harry Potter book and I remember being really excited to actually meet JK Rowling at school. At the time, she was relatively new and under the radar.
“I waited patiently in line with the rest of my class to get my book signed, hoping only for an autograph, but I knew there was more as she scribbled on the inside of my book much longer than everyone else.
When she handed me back my book, I eagerly opened it and couldn’t believe my eyes when I read her message – me, just like Ginny Weasley.
READ MORE: Inviting Harry to the coronation is like asking for a slap in the face
“I loved being compared to a character in a book. I felt so happy. In the years that followed, I made my way through each of the following books, with a wonderful sense of escapism as I imagined myself being Ginny and being a part of all the great adventures.
For the past 24 years, the book – a first edition of Harry Potter, third issue published in 1997 – has sat on a shelf in a spare bedroom.
Now Emily, who is married with no children, has decided to part with it in the hopes that it will be bought by a Harry Potter fan. The book will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Friday (16/12).
Book specialist Jim Spencer said: “I occasionally see Potter books signed by JK Rowling, but the unique personal message in this one makes it extra special. As soon as the author saw Emily, it clearly appealed to her. This is what she imagined Ginny Weasley to look like in her mind’s eye.
NOT MISSING:
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘expect an apology’ from royals [COMMENT]
Brexiteer points to ‘biggest regret’ three years later [INSIGHT]
Remnants are closing passport control queues as they blame Brexit [PICTURES]
“Such a unique message is highly desirable in a market flooded with counterfeits. Rowling’s signature changes over time, and this is a good early example.
“The longer the inscription the better, because there is more handwriting to review. The internet is full of fake signatures, some more convincing than others, so this is something very special.
“Origin is everything. A story like this allows collectors to bid with confidence while celebrating the history of the book and the magic of meeting the author at the beginning of the Harry Potter phenomenon.
“It was a nice gesture to write that note. In a digital world that favors short messages, we should all be very thankful for that.”