US special edition

[smitster]

No: HPFGUIDX 3935

I just returned from My-Favorite-Bookstore-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named.  
They finally received the $75 green, leather-bound, embossed, gold-
leafed editions of SS.  This edition has an original picture of Harry 
drawn by JKR.  I'm guessing that the illustrations of Harry in the 
regular US editions were based on (or influenced by) this picture.  
JKR's Harry looks very similar to Mary Grandpre's.

But just a few comments on JKR's picture.  Harry is standing in front 
of the Dursley fireplace.  His scar is covered by his hair.  On the 
mantle are pictures of the Dursley family (sans Harry, of course).  
Dudley's nose looks like a pig's nose (similary to the US chapter 2 
illustration).

The price is a bit of an issue for me.  I'd be willing to plunk down 
$40 on this book.  But not $75 ($60 over Internet).

Paul