Harry Potter artwork unveiled

The artwork for a limited edition of JK Rowling's sixth Harry Potter book was unveiled today by her United States publisher.

The "deluxe" version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, depicts the young wizard and Professor Dumbledore searching through a dark forest.

Scholastic vice president, David Saylor, said: "Layers of mystery unfold in a forested glen ... the eerie scene tantalises the reader with hints from the soon-to-be released book."

Just 100,000 copies of the special edition will be printed, compared with a record-breaking 10.8 million normal copies.

The dramatic art was created by Mary GrandPre, who has illustrated all US editions of the Potter series.

It will go on sale for £32 (60 dollars) and includes a 32-page illustrated insert.

The long-awaited book will be published in the UK and US on July 16.