remarkable that you should have found so many at the same time, especially on Sunday.....
I'd imagine John that it was his hand writing, although no, I hadn't checked it out. Not sure why it is signed in this particular way - when authors sign, usually, they simply write their name somewhere near the front of the book, often with a dedication of sorts - rather than crossing out their printed name.
not important, but I was just curious as why it had been done this way, but doubtless will never know:)