A quantity authored by J.Okay. Rowling bearing her handwritten signature transforms a typical studying copy right into a collectible. This act of personalization elevates the article from a commodity to a singular merchandise, usually growing its financial and nostalgic worth. For instance, a primary version of “Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone” signed by the writer represents a considerably extra precious merchandise than an unsigned copy of the identical version.
Signed copies provide a tangible connection to the writer and the inventive course of. They function a chunk of literary historical past, doubtlessly growing in price over time. The presence of an writer’s signature can considerably impression the article’s perceived worth throughout the gathering group, remodeling it right into a sought-after artifact. Traditionally, e-book signings have fostered a way of group between authors and readers, creating a private touchpoint that enhances the studying expertise.
Additional exploration of this matter will delve into the marketplace for signed books, authentication practices, and the cultural significance of writer signatures within the literary world.
1. Authenticity Verification
Authenticity verification performs a vital position on this planet of signed books, notably these authored by J.Okay. Rowling. Given the excessive demand and potential worth, forgeries sadly exist. Verification safeguards collectors from fraudulent purchases, making certain the merchandise’s real connection to the writer. A number of elements contribute to a sturdy authentication course of. Respected authentication companies specializing in literary collectibles usually make use of skilled evaluation of handwriting, ink, and paper traits. These organizations preserve intensive databases of identified signatures for comparability, enabling them to determine discrepancies which may recommend forgery. Provenance documentation, equivalent to images of the signing occasion or letters of authenticity from respected booksellers, provides one other layer of verification. A transparent chain of custody, tracing the e-book’s possession from the writer to the present vendor, considerably strengthens the declare of authenticity.
Think about a situation the place a primary version “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” surfaces, purportedly signed by Rowling. A radical examination reveals inconsistencies between the signature on the e-book and identified examples of the authors signature from the identical interval. Additional investigation exhibits the e-book’s paper inventory doesn’t match that utilized in real first editions. Such discrepancies instantly increase crimson flags, prompting additional scrutiny and doubtlessly resulting in the identification of a forgery. Conversely, a e-book accompanied by a certificates of authenticity from a revered authentication service, alongside {a photograph} of the writer signing it, substantiates its provenance and will increase its worth.
Thorough authentication protects each patrons and sellers throughout the collectors market. It establishes belief, ensures honest pricing, and preserves the integrity of literary collectibles. Given the prevalence of cast signed objects, notably inside fashionable literary markets, understanding authentication practices is important for collectors and traders alike. Ignoring these practices can result in vital monetary losses and injury the integrity of non-public collections. By prioritizing authentication, the literary world upholds the worth and historic significance of genuine signed books.
2. Version (first, particular)
The version of a e-book signed by J.Okay. Rowling considerably impacts its worth and collectibility. A primary version, representing the preliminary print run of a title, holds explicit significance. When coupled with Rowling’s signature, a primary version turns into a extremely fascinating merchandise for collectors. This stems from the inherent shortage of first editions and their illustration of a selected second in literary historical past. A signed first version of “Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone,” for instance, instructions a significantly greater value than a signed later printing. Particular editions, usually that includes distinctive cowl artwork, bonus content material, or restricted print runs, additionally appeal to collector curiosity. A signed particular version, such because the Bloomsbury “Signature” version of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” good points worth from each its rarity and the writer’s personalization. The mixture of version and signature creates a strong synergy, amplifying the desirability and potential funding worth of the e-book.
The significance of version turns into evident when evaluating costs realized at public sale or via respected booksellers. A signed first version of a “Harry Potter” title may promote for tens of hundreds of kilos, whereas a signed later printing of the identical title may obtain a considerably lower cost, maybe within the a whole bunch or low hundreds. This distinction displays the premium positioned on first editions throughout the gathering group. The shortage and historic significance of first editions, coupled with Rowling’s world recognition, contribute to this value disparity. Collectors usually hunt down particular editions, recognizing their worth and appreciating the tangible connection to the e-book’s preliminary launch. The intersection of rarity, historic context, and authorial connection drives demand and dictates market worth.
Understanding the interaction between version and signature offers essential insights for each collectors and traders. Recognizing the importance of first and particular editions permits for knowledgeable buying choices. This data aids in evaluating market costs, figuring out potential funding alternatives, and appreciating the nuances of e-book gathering. The version stays a cornerstone of a signed e-book’s worth, notably throughout the vibrant market for J.Okay. Rowling’s works. Cautious consideration of version permits collectors to construct collections that maintain each private and monetary significance.
3. Ebook Situation
Ebook situation performs a pivotal position in figuring out the worth and desirability of a J.Okay. Rowling signed e-book. Situation encompasses a number of elements, together with the state of the mud jacket (if current), the binding’s integrity, the presence of any markings or inscriptions past the writer’s signature, and total put on and tear. A pristine, unread copy, usually described as “fantastic” or “as new,” instructions the very best costs. Conversely, a e-book with a torn mud jacket, unfastened pages, or vital markings diminishes in worth, whatever the writer’s signature. This direct correlation between situation and worth stems from the collector’s want for an object as near its unique state as doable. A well-preserved e-book represents not solely a literary artifact but additionally a testomony to cautious possession and preservation.
Think about two hypothetical copies of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Hearth,” each signed by J.Okay. Rowling. One copy stays in pristine situation, preserved in a protecting cowl since its buy. The opposite copy exhibits indicators of damage: a creased backbone, a small tear on the mud jacket, and a earlier proprietor’s inscription on the title web page. Whereas each bear the writer’s signature, the pristine copy holds considerably greater worth because of its superior situation. This instance demonstrates the tangible impression of situation on market worth. Collectors prioritize well-preserved copies, recognizing their rarity and appreciating the hassle required to take care of a e-book’s unique state. The situation displays the care and respect afforded to the e-book all through its historical past, including a layer of desirability past the signature itself.
Assessing e-book situation requires cautious statement and familiarity with industry-standard grading terminology. Understanding phrases like “fantastic,” “excellent,” “good,” “honest,” and “poor” permits for knowledgeable evaluations and comparisons. This data empowers collectors to make knowledgeable buying choices and precisely assess the worth of their very own collections. The situation evaluation immediately influences market costs, negotiation methods, and the general notion of a signed e-book’s price. By prioritizing situation, collectors contribute to the preservation of literary artifacts and make sure the continued appreciation of signed books as precious cultural objects.
4. Inscription Personalization
Inscription personalization provides one other layer of complexity and worth to a J.Okay. Rowling signed e-book. A easy signature, whereas precious, represents a common authentication of the e-book. A personalised inscription, nevertheless, transforms the merchandise into a singular artifact with a selected historical past. Inscriptions vary from easy greetings (“To Emily”) to extra elaborate dedications (“To Michael, a fellow Gryffindor”). The presence of a customized inscription usually will increase a e-book’s worth, particularly if it connects the e-book to a notable particular person or reveals one thing in regards to the writer’s connection to the recipient. For instance, a replica of “The Informal Emptiness” inscribed to a fellow writer or a outstanding determine within the literary world would seemingly command a better value than a replica signed solely with Rowling’s title. This added worth stems from the inscription’s capability to create a extra intimate connection between the writer, the e-book, and its recipient.
The character of the inscription itself additionally influences worth. A singular or insightful inscription, maybe referencing a selected character or theme inside Rowling’s work, holds extra enchantment than a generic dedication. Think about a replica of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” inscribed “To David, could you all the time discover your individual snitch.” This personalised message, referencing a key aspect of the Harry Potter universe, provides vital sentimental and doubtlessly financial worth. Conversely, a easy “Greatest needs” holds much less weight. The specificity and private nature of the inscription immediately impression its perceived worth throughout the gathering group. A singular inscription transforms the e-book right into a one-of-a-kind merchandise, additional distinguishing it from copies bearing solely a signature.
Authenticating personalised inscriptions presents distinctive challenges. Whereas skilled evaluation can confirm Rowling’s signature, confirming the authenticity of the inscription itself requires further scrutiny. Provenance documentation, equivalent to images or letters corroborating the inscription’s origin, performs a vital position on this course of. The inscription provides a layer of emotional and historic significance to a signed e-book, doubtlessly growing its worth past the signature alone. Nevertheless, collectors ought to method personalised inscriptions with cautious optimism, prioritizing thorough authentication to make sure the inscription’s legitimacy. Understanding the nuances of inscription personalization empowers collectors to understand the distinct worth and challenges related to these distinctive literary artifacts.
5. Provenance Documentation
Provenance documentation establishes a verifiable historical past of possession for a J.Okay. Rowling signed e-book, considerably impacting its authenticity and worth. This documentation offers a sequence of custody, tracing the e-book’s journey from the writer’s hand to its present proprietor. It’d embrace images of the signing occasion, letters of authenticity from respected booksellers, or receipts from licensed retailers. Strong provenance documentation mitigates the danger of forgery and offers potential patrons with confidence within the merchandise’s legitimacy. A well-documented provenance provides a premium to a signed e-book’s worth, reflecting the decreased threat and elevated assurance of authenticity. As an example, a signed first version of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques” accompanied by {a photograph} of Rowling signing the precise copy at a e-book launch occasion holds better worth than an analogous copy missing such documentation. The {photograph} immediately hyperlinks the e-book to the writer, strengthening its declare of authenticity and enhancing its desirability.
Absence of provenance documentation introduces uncertainty, doubtlessly diminishing a signed e-book’s worth and marketability. Whereas a signature alone may seem real, missing proof of its origin raises questions. Think about a situation the place two an identical copies of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” floor, each bearing what seems to be Rowling’s signature. One copy features a certificates of authenticity from a acknowledged authentication service and a letter from the unique proprietor detailing the e-book’s acquisition at a charity public sale attended by Rowling. The opposite copy lacks any supporting documentation. The documented copy instructions a better value because of its verified provenance, whereas the undocumented copy faces better scrutiny and doubtlessly decrease gives. This disparity underscores the sensible significance of provenance documentation throughout the signed e-book market.
Provenance documentation serves as a crucial element within the authentication and valuation of J.Okay. Rowling signed books. It offers tangible proof of a e-book’s historical past, bolstering its authenticity and growing its enchantment to collectors and traders. The presence of strong documentation mitigates threat, enhances worth, and contributes to the general integrity of the signed e-book market. Conversely, the absence of provenance documentation introduces uncertainty, doubtlessly impacting a e-book’s marketability and diminishing its worth. Understanding the essential position of provenance documentation empowers collectors and traders to make knowledgeable choices, defending themselves from potential forgeries and making certain the long-term worth of their collections.
6. Market Worth Fluctuations
Market worth fluctuations characterize a dynamic facet of gathering signed books by J.Okay. Rowling. A number of elements affect the worth a collector may pay for a signed copy, making a fluid market prone to numerous exterior and inside pressures. Understanding these influencing elements offers precious insights for each seasoned collectors and people new to the market.
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Provide and Demand
The basic financial precept of provide and demand exerts appreciable affect on the worth of Rowling’s signed books. Restricted availability of particular titles, notably signed first editions, coupled with constant world demand, drives costs upward. Conversely, an inflow of signed copies into the market, maybe because of a large-scale e-book signing occasion or the emergence of beforehand unknown inventory, can quickly depress costs. This interaction creates a dynamic market the place values can shift considerably primarily based on the supply of signed copies.
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Exterior Occasions
Occasions exterior to the e-book market itself can impression the worth of Rowling’s signed works. Information associated to the writer, new movie diversifications, or renewed public curiosity within the Harry Potter universe can set off elevated demand and subsequently greater costs. Destructive publicity or controversies surrounding the writer may, conversely, quickly dampen market enthusiasm and result in value changes. The interconnected nature of the literary world and the broader media panorama influences collector conduct and market dynamics.
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Situation and Version
As beforehand mentioned, the situation and version of a signed e-book immediately correlate with its market worth. A pristine, signed first version of a well-liked title instructions a considerably greater value than a later printing in much less fascinating situation. The shortage and historic significance of particular editions contribute to this value differentiation, creating distinct tiers throughout the market. Collectors prioritize sure editions, driving demand and influencing value fluctuations inside these particular segments.
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Financial Traits
Broader financial tendencies additionally play a task out there for collectibles, together with signed books. During times of financial prosperity, collectors could have extra disposable revenue, resulting in elevated demand and doubtlessly greater costs. Conversely, financial downturns can result in decreased spending on non-essential objects, doubtlessly impacting the market worth of collectibles. The general financial local weather influences collector conduct and spending patterns, creating fluctuations in market exercise and pricing.
These interwoven elements contribute to a dynamic and ever-shifting marketplace for J.Okay. Rowling signed books. Understanding these influences permits collectors to navigate the market successfully, making knowledgeable choices about acquisitions and potential investments. Recognizing the interaction of provide and demand, exterior occasions, situation/version, and financial tendencies offers precious insights into the fluctuating nature of this specialised market phase. By contemplating these parts, collectors can admire the complexities and alternatives introduced by the evolving marketplace for signed literary treasures.
7. Emotional Worth
Emotional worth represents a big, albeit usually intangible, element of a J.Okay. Rowling signed e-book. Whereas market forces dictate financial price, emotional worth transcends monetary concerns, reflecting a private connection to the writer, the literary work, or the circumstances surrounding the e-book’s acquisition. This intrinsic price stems from numerous sources. For a lot of, Rowling’s work evokes highly effective childhood reminiscences, associating her books with particular intervals of life or formative experiences. A signed copy transforms right into a tangible illustration of those cherished reminiscences, making a deeper, extra private reference to the writer’s literary creations. The act of buying a signed copy may also maintain private significance, maybe commemorating a special day, a long-awaited assembly with the writer, or a present from a beloved one. These private narratives intertwine with the article itself, imbuing it with emotional significance past its market worth.
Think about a reader who grew up immersed within the Harry Potter universe, discovering solace and inspiration inside its pages. Buying a signed copy of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” fulfills a lifelong dream, solidifying a private connection to the writer and the beloved collection. This emotional connection transcends financial concerns. The signed e-book represents a tangible hyperlink to cherished reminiscences, an emblem of non-public progress, and a testomony to the enduring energy of literature. One other instance may contain a mother or father gifting a signed copy of “The Ickabog” to their little one, making a shared studying expertise and an enduring household reminiscence. The signed e-book turns into a treasured heirloom, symbolizing the bond between mother or father and little one and embodying the shared pleasure of studying. These examples exhibit the profound impression of emotional worth, remodeling a signed e-book from a mere commodity right into a cherished possession.
Recognizing the importance of emotional worth offers a deeper understanding of the motivations behind e-book gathering. Whereas market forces and funding potential play a task, the emotional connection usually kinds the bedrock of a collector’s ardour. This understanding permits for a extra nuanced appreciation of the signed e-book market, acknowledging the interaction of monetary and emotional concerns. Challenges come up when making an attempt to quantify emotional worth, because it stays inherently subjective and private. Nevertheless, recognizing its affect offers a extra holistic perspective on the worth and significance of signed books throughout the broader cultural panorama. Emotional worth transforms a signed e-book into a private totem, a tangible illustration of cherished reminiscences, and an enduring connection to the facility of storytelling.
8. Gathering Neighborhood
The gathering group surrounding J.Okay. Rowling’s signed books represents a vibrant ecosystem of lovers, traders, and literary aficionados. This group performs a big position in shaping the market, influencing values, and fostering a shared appreciation for these literary artifacts. Connections cast inside this group prolong past mere market transactions; they supply a platform for sharing information, authenticating objects, and celebrating the writer’s work. On-line boards, devoted web sites, and social media teams function digital assembly locations, facilitating discussions on gathering methods, market tendencies, and the nuances of Rowling’s literary output. These platforms allow collectors to attach with like-minded people, fostering a way of camaraderie and shared ardour. Organized occasions, equivalent to e-book festivals and writer signings, present alternatives for in-person interplay, strengthening group bonds and facilitating direct engagement with the literary world. The group’s collective information base serves as a precious useful resource, offering steering on authentication practices, version identification, and market valuation. This shared experience advantages each seasoned collectors and newcomers, fostering a collaborative setting that promotes knowledgeable decision-making and protects in opposition to fraudulent actions. For instance, members may share insights into figuring out cast signatures or distinguishing between totally different print runs of a selected title. This collective information protects particular person collectors and upholds the integrity of the market as an entire.
The affect of the gathering group extends past particular person transactions. Collective demand throughout the group drives market values, influencing value fluctuations and establishing benchmarks for particular editions and circumstances. The group’s shared understanding of rarity and desirability shapes the perceived worth of particular person objects. A primary version of “Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone” signed by Rowling at a selected occasion may maintain vital worth throughout the group because of its documented historical past and restricted availability. This collective consensus influences pricing and buying and selling practices, shaping the market panorama for Rowling’s signed works. Moreover, the group contributes to the preservation and appreciation of those literary artifacts. Collectors usually make investments vital time and assets in preserving their collections, making certain the long-term survival of those tangible items of literary historical past. This collective effort safeguards Rowling’s literary legacy, making certain its accessibility for future generations of readers and collectors.
Understanding the gathering group’s position offers important context for navigating the marketplace for J.Okay. Rowling signed books. Taking part on this group gives precious assets, authentication assist, and market insights, enhancing the gathering expertise and selling accountable gathering practices. Challenges throughout the group embrace potential disagreements over valuation, the proliferation of misinformation, and the danger of exclusionary practices. Nevertheless, the group’s collective ardour for Rowling’s work and its dedication to preserving her literary legacy outweigh these challenges, making a dynamic and influential community that shapes the market and fosters a shared appreciation for these distinctive literary treasures.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to books signed by J.Okay. Rowling, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable gathering practices and dispel widespread misconceptions.
Query 1: How can one decide the authenticity of a J.Okay. Rowling signature?
Authentication depends on a number of elements. Professional examination of handwriting, ink, and paper traits by respected authentication companies represents a vital step. Evaluating the signature in opposition to identified exemplars from the corresponding interval aids in figuring out inconsistencies. Provenance documentation, equivalent to images of the signing or accompanying letters of authenticity from respected sources, additional strengthens verification efforts. Consulting established assets specializing in literary authentication offers further assist.
Query 2: Do personalised inscriptions add worth to a signed e-book?
Customized inscriptions usually improve a e-book’s worth, notably distinctive or insightful dedications. A easy title inscription sometimes provides modest worth, whereas a extra private message associated to the recipient or Rowling’s work can considerably improve its price. Nevertheless, authentication of personalised inscriptions requires cautious scrutiny, counting on provenance documentation to validate their origin.
Query 3: What’s the significance of a primary version within the context of signed books?
First editions characterize the preliminary print run of a title, holding inherent shortage and historic significance. When coupled with an writer’s signature, a primary version’s worth will increase considerably because of its rarity and connection to the e-book’s preliminary launch. This premium on first editions displays their desirability throughout the gathering group, driving demand and influencing market costs.
Query 4: How does e-book situation have an effect on the worth of a signed copy?
Situation immediately impacts worth. A pristine, “as new” copy instructions the very best costs, whereas flaws equivalent to a torn mud jacket, unfastened pages, or markings diminish worth. Collectors prioritize well-preserved copies, recognizing their rarity and the care taken of their preservation. Using standardized grading terminology facilitates correct situation evaluation and knowledgeable buying choices.
Query 5: The place can one purchase genuine J.Okay. Rowling signed books?
Respected booksellers specializing in signed first editions, established public sale homes, and respected on-line marketplaces characterize dependable sources for buying authenticated signed books. Thorough analysis, cautious examination of provenance documentation, and looking for skilled recommendation when essential safeguards in opposition to buying forgeries.
Query 6: How can one defend a signed e-book funding?
Correct storage in a managed setting, away from direct daylight, humidity, and excessive temperatures, preserves a e-book’s situation. Using archival-quality protecting supplies, equivalent to acid-free sleeves and bins, additional safeguards the e-book and its mud jacket from deterioration. Insurance coverage protection tailor-made for collectibles offers further monetary safety in opposition to unexpected injury or loss.
Authenticity, situation, version, and provenance characterize key elements influencing the worth of J.Okay. Rowling signed books. Due diligence, cautious analysis, and engagement with the gathering group empowers knowledgeable choices and contributes to accountable gathering practices.
Additional exploration may embrace investigating particular examples of notable gross sales, inspecting the impression of Rowling’s philanthropic actions available on the market, or delving deeper into the world of literary forgery detection.
Ideas for Buying and Preserving Signed Books
This part gives sensible steering for navigating the complexities of buying and preserving volumes bearing J.Okay. Rowling’s signature. These insights intention to empower knowledgeable choices, safeguarding in opposition to potential pitfalls and making certain accountable gathering practices.
Tip 1: Prioritize Provenance: Thorough provenance analysis establishes a verifiable historical past of possession, essential for authenticating signed books. Search detailed documentation, together with images of the signing occasion, letters of authenticity, or receipts from respected sources. Strong provenance considerably enhances a e-book’s worth and mitigates the danger of buying forgeries. For instance, {a photograph} clearly displaying Rowling signing the precise copy in query gives robust proof of authenticity.
Tip 2: Authentication Experience: Have interaction respected authentication companies specializing in literary collectibles. Professional evaluation of handwriting, ink, and paper traits gives dependable verification, safeguarding in opposition to fraudulent purchases. These companies usually preserve intensive databases of identified signatures for comparability, enabling skilled identification of inconsistencies which may recommend forgery.
Tip 3: Situation Evaluation: Fastidiously consider a e-book’s situation, noting any flaws which may impression its worth. Assess the mud jacket, binding, pages, and total put on. Make the most of standardized grading terminology (e.g., “fantastic,” “excellent,” “good”) to precisely assess situation and make knowledgeable buying choices. Prioritizing well-preserved copies ensures long-term worth and collectibility.
Tip 4: Version Consciousness: Perceive the importance of various editions. First editions, notably these in pristine situation, command premium costs because of their shortage and historic significance. Particular editions, usually that includes distinctive attributes, additionally maintain vital collector worth. Researching numerous editions and their distinguishing options informs buying choices and permits for correct valuation.
Tip 5: Respected Sources: Purchase signed books from respected booksellers specializing in signed first editions, established public sale homes, or trusted on-line marketplaces. These sources usually present authentication ensures and detailed provenance data, minimizing the danger of buying forgeries and making certain a safe buying expertise.
Tip 6: Preservation Practices: Implement acceptable preservation measures to guard investments. Retailer signed books in a managed setting, away from direct daylight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Make the most of archival-quality protecting supplies, equivalent to acid-free sleeves and bins, to safeguard in opposition to deterioration and preserve the e-book’s situation over time.
Tip 7: Neighborhood Engagement: Take part within the gathering group. On-line boards, devoted web sites, and social media teams provide precious assets, insights into market tendencies, authentication assist, and alternatives to attach with fellow collectors. Partaking with the group fosters knowledgeable gathering practices and enhances appreciation for these literary treasures.
Adhering to those tips empowers knowledgeable decision-making throughout the signed e-book market. Prioritizing provenance, authentication, situation, and respected sources safeguards in opposition to potential dangers and ensures accountable gathering practices.
These sensible ideas present a basis for navigating the complexities of buying and preserving signed books by J.Okay. Rowling, fostering a deeper appreciation for these precious literary artifacts and the dynamic market that surrounds them.
Conclusion
Volumes bearing J.Okay. Rowling’s signature characterize greater than easy commodities; they perform as cultural artifacts, embodying the convergence of literary significance, private connection, and market dynamics. This exploration has illuminated the multifaceted nature of those objects, emphasizing the interaction of authenticity, situation, version, inscription, provenance, and market forces in figuring out their worth. Moreover, the emotional resonance and the colourful gathering group surrounding these books underscore their cultural impression and enduring enchantment.
The enduring fascination with Rowling’s signed works displays a broader cultural appreciation for the tangible connection to beloved authors and their literary creations. Cautious consideration of the elements mentioned herein empowers knowledgeable gathering practices, making certain accountable stewardship of those literary treasures for generations to return. Finally, the worth ascribed to a e-book signed by J.Okay. Rowling represents a posh interaction of goal market forces and subjective private connections, underscoring the enduring energy of literature to transcend the boundaries of the printed web page.
