Spectacular limited deluxe edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard signed by J. K. Rowling

472. J. K. Rowling Signed Book. Signed book: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Deluxe collector’s edition, limited issue, numbered 48/100. London: Children’s High Level Group, 2008. Ornately embellished hardcover, 4.75 x 6.75, 179 pages. Beautifully signed on the half-title page in blue felt tip, “J. K. Rowling.” Complete with its beautiful embroidered velvet bag, illustration prints, and large leatherbound clamshell case with cardstock slipcover. In fine to very fine condition, with some flaking only to the front hinge of the case and a slightly musty odor; the book itself is flawless. Accompanied by the original shipping box. A scarce and luxurious limited edition. Starting Bid $500

474. J. K. Rowling Signed ‘Harry Potter’ Book. Desirable signed book: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. First edition. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2000. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.5 x 8.25, 636 pages. Signed on the title page in blue ballpoint by J. K. Rowling. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

473. J. K. Rowling Autograph Note Signed to Aspiring Writer. ALS signed “J(o) K. Rowling,” one page on the reverse of a 4.25 x 6.25 envelope, no date but circa 1998. Handwritten note to a young reader, in full: “Dear Nicola—I’m giving you this now because otherwise you’ll have a long wait for a reply (I’ve got 200 letters waiting for me at home). This was one of the nicest letters I have received & has really made my day—so good luck with your writing and we might be on the same bookshelves soon!” In fine condition.

The consignor notes that this envelope contained a message from a young reader, Nicola, given to Rowling during a book reading/signing event for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during the summer of 1998. Rowling was evidently able to read the note during a quiet moment, pen this heartwarming response, and return it during the event. A spectacular, early autograph from the Harry Potter author. Starting Bid $300

476. J. K. Rowling Signed Book.

Signed book: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Second printing. London: Bloomsbury, 1999. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.5 x 8, 317 pages. Signed on the dedication page in black ballpoint, “J. K. Rowling.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG+/ VG, with slight sunning to the jacket’s spine. A highly desirable early edition of the third Harry Potter book, nicely signed by its author. Starting Bid $200

477. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Signed Book. Signed book: Flight to Arras. First edition. NY: Reynal & Hitchcock, 1942. Hardcover with slipcase, 6 x 8.5, 255 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen by the author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and illustrator, Bernard Lamotte. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG+/None in a G slipcase, with light scuffing to spine and sunning, dampstaining, and edge splits to the case. Written in 1942, Flight to Arras recounts Saint-Exupery’s role in the Armée de l’Air (French Air Force) as pilot of a reconnaissance plane during the Battle of France in 1940. Starting Bid $200

478. George Sand Autograph

Letter Signed on Frederic Chopin. ALS in French, seven pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, May 1847. Handwritten letter to Gabriel Falampin, highlighted by a rare reference to her lover, the celebrated composer Frederic Chopin. She apologizes for a delay in sending a requested article, citing the virtuoso’s illness (translated): “It is not an ordinary circumstance, the one that I find myself in, and I do not have my own head in place. Besides, Chopin was dangerously ill while I was stuck here, unable to leave my family for a single moment, and all of this moved and broke me beyond reason. Here he is once again saved.”

Sand further explains in detail her decisions related to properties and legacies, commenting that she donates the hotel at Narbonne to Solange, making inquiries regarding her financial affairs, and referring to the rental of an apartment belonging to M. Larac in Paris: “Warn him immediately, but asking him not to speak of it to Chopin who is ill and the idea of the family moving could cause him consternation at this time.” In fine condition. Falampin was the artistic director of ‘L’Illustration’ and manager of the financial affairs of George Sand. Starting Bid $300

480. Leo Tolstoy Signature

- PSA/DNA Encapsulated. Ink signature, “Leo Tolstoy,” on an off-white 4 x 2.25 sheet. In fine condition. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. Starting Bid $200