Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London, 1998
Scarce Uncorrected Proof Copy: Uncorrected Proofs are distributed for READING and review PRIOR to the release of the first printing. This copy is in extraordinary condition for one of the early Harry Potter series uncorrected proofs, and is extremely rare. The uncorrected proof for The Chamber of Secrets had a presumed print run of only about 200 pieces, figures provided by the publisher. Complete with the Bloomsbury copyright page and the complete number line of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. This book was issued BEFORE the first printing (see below for the definition of an Uncorrected Proof).
DEFINITION OF AN UNCORRECTED PROOF:
In publishing jargon, a proof is the preliminary iteration of a book, intended for a limited audience. Its purpose is to allow for final edits. The proofs can also help to build and maintain buzz about a book before its official release date, generate some early reviews and have potential readers eager to get their hands on the title. A galley proof or uncorrected proof may still have errors or areas open to change. It is generally bound differently than the final product, often only spiral-bound, and missing much of the polish of the eventual published version, opting instead for plain, often coarse paper. Inclusion of proposed publication information (date, price, etc.) can also be included. Usually the proof consists of text only, and is devoid of any art or illustration that may be present in the final published version.
If a book is successful and does well upon final publication, or if it goes out-of-print early but develops a fan-base or cult following, an uncorrected proof can become a valuable prize for collectors. Part of the appeal is their scarcity, and the fact that they will sometimes have slightly different text from the final piece. (Beth Carswell, ABE BOOKS) Of course with the Harry Potter books, there was such a craze surrounding the publication of each new title that these pre-publication proofs were extremely sought after. After the third book in the series, the content of the series was meant to be kept secret until the official publication day and these proofs were no longer produced.
By the time this title was getting ready for release, the Harry Potter series had taken off, with everyone waiting and anticipating the next book. The phenomena was born. The few uncorrected proofs that were released to select individuals were poured over, read, pass around, and re-read as they were extremely scarce (imagine being only 1 of 200 of the privileged few who got to preview this book!).
This copy is in very clean condition, with only some slight softened creasing to the outer wraps, and a very faint small faded pencil mark to the front. The book is internally very clean with No owner names, No inscriptions, No stains, No handling marks, No writing, No discolored pages, No dog eared pages. (it is very unusual for uncorrected proofs to be internally clean as most likely this book was passed around to several people all in heightened anticipation of the new title in the series). Only a scarce few of the uncorrected proofs have come to market in recent years, with this copy being well priced taking its rarity and condition into account. The book was left unrestored, a true depiction of the Harry Potter phenomena. Please see the many detailed images.
A most scarce Harry Potter book and perfect for the serious collector of the Harry Potter series!
