Unpublished Text and Illustrations from J.K. Rowling at Bloomsbury Auctions in London
London—A personal horoscope created by J.K. Rowling whilst she was writing her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, shows Rowling’s own enthusiasm for astrology and offers context for Professor Trelawney and the centaur Firenze, characters in the Harry Potter books for which she is still most renowned. This highly collectable work will be offered alongside signed first editions from the Harry Potter series and a signed first edition of Rowling’s crime novel The Cuckoo’s Calling. The sale of 20th Century Books and Works on Paper will be held at Bloomsbury Auctions on Thursday 9th April 2015.
Whilst researching and writing her characters for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone J.K. Rowling’s interest in astrology saw her produce personalised horoscopes for her friends. This horoscope was crafted by Rowling for Roger Julian Tosswill, born 13 October 1966, 11.05pm.
J.K. Rowling is believed to have met Mr Tosswill and his partner Kate Buchanan at antenatal classes and sometime after the birth of their son Jack Buchanan produced this intimate horoscope, with touching references to the family and their astrological compatibility; “I should say at the outset that these two horoscopes (Roger and Kate) could have come straight out of an astrological text-book, captioned “compatible partners”.” And in reference to his son, Jack Buchanan; “The words “isn’t he like his father?” are likely to be repeated with tiresome regularity throughout Jack’s childhood.”
Rowling’s horoscope echoes the wry humour and fanciful wit so familiar to the readers of her Harry Potter books, one of her section headings reads; ‘Weddingphobe seeks Fiercely Independent Woman for Loving Life.’ But it is also peppered with a surprising depth of knowledge of the art and history of Astrology, referencing historical works including The Kalendar and Compost of Shepherds (printed in Paris by Guy Marchant in 1493) [Lot 252, estimate £10,000-15,000].
Following this rare find in the auction is a collection of first editions signed by J.K. Rowling, including a rare signed copy of her first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone [Lot 253, est. £4,000-6,000], a signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, reputedly by far the most difficult of the Harry Potter series to find signed [Lot 263, est. £600-800], and a signed first edition of The Cuckoo’s Calling. This is allegedly one of only between 250 and 400 copies signed as a promotion before J.K. Rowling was revealed as the true identity behind Robert Galbraith [Lot 267, est. £600-800].
