Harry Potter
Harry James Potter (born July 31, 1980) (see timeline) is a fictional young wizard who is the protagonist in a series of fantasy and wizardry novels by J. K. Rowling and the movies based on them. The first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States), was released in 1997, but takes place in 1991. Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.Overview
The Harry Potter books are primarily aimed at older children (because they have progressively darker themes), but have fans of all ages, as demonstrated by the publication of editions of each book with cover artwork intended for adults. There is also a series of Warner Brothers films based directly on the books, the first of which was released in 2001. According to Rowling, the stories appeared in her head, fully formed, while she was on a train from Manchester to London. Her favourite place to write the first book was at an Edinburgh café table, while drinking endless cups of coffee. Unsubstantiated rumours and magazine articles claim that sales from the books, as well as royalties from films and merchandise, have made Rowling richer than Queen Elizabeth II, though in a 2003 interview, Rowling denied having more than £280,000,000, which is Queen Elizabeth's supposed fortune. Each book chronicles one year in Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he learns to use magic, brew potions, and play Quidditch. Harry also learns to overcome many obstacles, such as:
Rowling has announced that seven books are planned, each gradually a little darker than its predecessor, as Harry ages and his nemesis, Lord Voldemort (Tom Marvolo Riddle), gains power. As of early 2005, five books have been published, and an English language publication date of 16 July 2005 has been announced for the sixth volume, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Rowling has revealed hints about the plot of the book on her personal website [1] (http://www.jkrowling.com/). Cover of the United States edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneThe books are written in third person limited omniscient mode, with Harry as the central character. The books are generally written from Harry's point of view, with short exceptions in Philosopher's Stone and Goblet of Fire. This is one reason that readers feel such a strong kinship to Harry; the story is literally told through his character. The books have been compared to many well-known novels, including C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. They also fit into a British genre of novels about boarding school life, and sections involving the Dursleys, Harry's relatives, remind some readers of Roald Dahl's works. Certain aspects of the Harry Potter series have even entered the real world, such as Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, which inspired an actual product of that name, marketed by the Jelly Belly Company. The novels
Harry is expected to leave the school in mid-1998, shortly before his eighteenth birthday — supposing, of course, that he lives to do so (as Rowling likes to remind her readers when asked about Harry's career after school). The books have become popular enough that bookstores now hold "midnight release parties" on the day Harry Potter books are released. The Harry Potter books have been translated into many languages. See List of titles of Harry Potter books in other languages and Harry Potter in translation series. For the English language, there exists an adapted American English version of each book, with lexical changes like football to soccer, video recorder to VCR, or do his nut becoming go ballistic. In 2001 two books supposedly reproduced from copies owned by Harry (complete with notes scribbled in the margins by Harry and his friends) were published. They were Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander and Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp. These books were written by J. K. Rowling with proceeds going to Comic Relief. Regarding the existence of Harry Potter novels beyond the seventh, Rowling has said that she might write an eighth book some day. If she does, she intends it to be a sort of encyclopedia of the wizarding world, containing concepts and snippets of information that were not relevant enough to the novels' plot to be included in them. She has also said that she will not write any sort of "prequel" to the novels since by the time the series ends all the necessary backstory will have been revealed. The films
All three of the currently released films were among the top ten grossing films of their year, with all three films being in the top 50 films of all time list. [2] (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm) ThemesLike many works of science fiction and fantasy, the Harry Potter series uses analogies to real issues, rather than confronting the issues themselves. RacismThe most obvious is the analogy of "blood purity" to racism. This theme is explored with characters such as Remus Lupin, a werewolf; Rubeus Hagrid, a half-human, half-giant; and Hermione Granger, who is muggle-born, or of non-magical parentage. Even Harry's friend Ron Weasley, from a tolerant family, is shocked to learn of Lupin's lycanthropy in Prisoner of Azkaban, and Hagrid's ancestry in Goblet of Fire. Ron's mother, Molly Weasley, apparently without realizing it, also expresses open prejudice against werewolves in Order of the Phoenix despite sharing a temporary home with one. "Blood purity" also contains elements of the class-system that was previously a feature of British society, particularly within educational institutions such as universities or public schools similar in nature to Harry's school, Hogwarts. Ironically, some Harry Potter fans did not absorb the lessons about racism that Rowling teaches her readers. Recently, certain fans had been complaining about the casting of an "Asian" actor for the role of Cho Chang in the fourth Harry Potter film. An "anti-fan site" has been started to target this particular actor. ChoicesRowling has stated that, rather than intentionally placing themes in her books, she lets them "grow organically". One of the most significant recurring themes is that of choice. In Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore makes perhaps his most famous quote on this issue: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." He confronts the issue again in Goblet of Fire, when he tells Cornelius Fudge that what one grows up to be is far more important than what one is born. Rowling has commented that Dumbledore often speaks for her. Also, through the novels, Harry must choose between what is right and what is easy. This theme is expected to arise more and more frequently as the choices Harry must make become more and more difficult. PrejudiceMuch like Star Trek, Harry Potter makes statements about real issues of prejudice by assuming that they do not exist. For example, it is taken for granted that every profession in Rowling's world has personnel who are both male and female; even the sports teams are mixed. Even homophobia has made a subtle appearence in the books, in the form of taunting comments from Harry's boorish cousin Dudley in Order of the Phoenix. Nevertheless, the wizard world is faced with much prejudice of its own kind. There are a great many in the Harry Potter universe that disdain any non "pure" wizard or witch, to say nothing of any intelligent but non-human species(of which there are many). For example, elves are considered fit for nothing but subjugation and slavery, despite their humanlike feelings and their own unique magical powers. This theme is explored in the books. HumilityThe novels also focus on the importance of humility. Harry has to spend many tedious years in the muggle world with his abusive relatives, who treat him very poorly. When Harry learns that he is the famous "Boy Who Lived", he is more concerned about living up to his reputation than using it to his own advantage, contrasting with his counterpart, Draco Malfoy. Harry turns out to be a very proficient Quidditch player, and excellent at Defence Against the Dark Arts. Instead of basking in the glory of his abilities, he is humble, and even bashful, when complimented on his skills. ControversyThe books have provoked various kinds of controversy. Accusations of promoting witchcraftAccording to the American Library Association, the Harry Potter novels have been among the most frequently challenged in school libraries since 1998. The complaints allege that the books have occult or Satanic themes, are violent, and are anti-family. Some Christian groups in the United States have denounced the series for promoting witchcraft or Satanism. "It contains some powerful and valuable lessons about love and courage and the ultimate victory of good over evil," said Paul Hetrick, spokesman for Focus on the Family, a national Christian group based in Colorado Springs. "However, the positive messages are packaged in a medium — witchcraft — that is directly denounced in scripture."[3] (http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_06.htm). The official exorcist of Rome, Father Gabriele Amorth, believes that the Harry Potter books can be a bad influence on some children by getting them interested in the occult. See Christian views on witchcraft. The current Pope, Benedict XVI, also condemned the books, stating they are "a subtle seduction, which has deeply unnoticed and direct effects in undermining the soul of Christianity before it can really grow properly." [4] (http://www.hollywood.com/news/detail/article/2439745) In contrast, other members of the Catholic Church gave the series their approval, by saying that it is imbued with Christian morals, and that the good versus evil plot is very clear. The late Pope John Paul II praised the books for their message about the evils of racism and genocide. Christian Congregationalist minister John Killinger also argued that rather than corrupting children's minds, the novels encourage young readers to follow the teachings of Jesus. The book The Hidden Key to Harry Potter: Understanding the Meaning, Genius, and Popularity of Joanne Rowling's Harry Potter Novels, written by John Granger, a Reader in the Orthodox Church, claims to uncover Christian themes in its analysis of the story. Much less controversy has occurred in the United Kingdom, where religion plays a smaller role in public affairs than in the United States. The controversy was spoofed on the television show The Simpsons. In one episode, ultra-Christian Ned Flanders "reads" Harry Potter to his son and says "…and Harry Potter and all his wizard friends…went straight to Hell for practicing witchcraft". His son cheers and Ned throws the book into the fireplace. Accusations of plagiarismRowling prevailed in a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement, filed by Nancy Stouffer, writer of The Legend of Rah and the Muggles and allegedly of Larry Potter and His Best Friend Lilly. The first book features creatures called "muggles". U.S. District Judge Allen G. Schwartz rejected Nancy Stouffer's claims that she was plagiarised, and fined Stouffer $50,000 for "submission of fraudulent documents" and "untruthful testimony", but stopped short of having Stouffer criminally charged with perjury. Stouffer was required to pay a portion of the attorney's fees incurred by Rowling, her U.S. publisher Scholastic Press, and Warner Bros. Films. Comic book fans have noted that a comic book series first published in 1990 by DC Comics called The Books of Magic, by Neil Gaiman, shares many similarities to Rowling's book. These include a dark haired young boy with glasses, named Tim Hunter, who discovers his own potential as the most powerful wizard of his age after being approached by magic-wielding individuals, the first of whom gifts him with a pet owl. Rowling officially denies being aware of this series, and Gaiman has gone on record stating that he believes similarities to be either coincidence, or drawn from the same fantasy archetypes. Recent viewers of the 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes, scripted by Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter movies, have noticed similarities between its characters, setting, events and tone, and those of the Harry Potter series. The Ken Akumatsu Manga Mahou Sensei Negima is often regarded as a Harry Potter clone, despite the only similarity being a 10-year-old wizard from England. Parodies of Harry PotterBooks
Sketches on Saturday Night Live
Other
Hari Potret first appeared in another TV series called Jin & Jun, probably as a small parody regarding to the booming popularity of Harry Potter in Indonesia. There, Hari used the famous spell "Wingardium leviosa" to do ALL kinds of magic (instead of only for levitating objects, as described in the first Harry Potter book). Later, after the producers ended Jin & Jun, they made Hari Potret into a separated series. Strangely, though, the local TV channel that hosted "Hari Potret" had managed to cooperate with Warner Bros to air "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" movie, and Hari Potret acted as the 'warming-up' for two months before the actual Harry Potter showed. Unauthorised books featuring Harry PotterSeveral unauthorised derivative books have been written, either directly featuring Harry Potter, or using similarly named characters. J. K. Rowling and her publishers are making attempts to stop the distribution of these books. Written in Bengali:
Written in Chinese:
Trivia
This page about Harry Potter includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Harry Potter News stories about Harry Potter External links for Harry Potter Videos for Harry Potter Wikis about Harry Potter Discussion Groups about Harry Potter Blogs about Harry Potter Images of Harry Potter |
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Written in Chinese:. The baby girl was named Mackenzie Jean Rowling Murray. Written in Bengali:. On January 23, 2005, Rowling's second child with Dr. Murray was born, fulfilling Rowling's lifelong wish to have three children. Rowling and her publishers are making attempts to stop the distribution of these books. On March 23, 2003, Rowling gave birth to her second child, a boy called David Gordon Rowling Murray, at the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health at the New Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. K. Neil Murray (an anaesthetist) in a private ceremony at her home in the Perthshire village of Aberfeldy. J. On December 26, 2001, Rowling married Dr. Several unauthorised derivative books have been written, either directly featuring Harry Potter, or using similarly named characters. The man claimed he was unaware he was supposed to wait until that Saturday. Strangely, though, the local TV channel that hosted "Hari Potret" had managed to cooperate with Warner Bros to air "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" movie, and Hari Potret acted as the 'warming-up' for two months before the actual Harry Potter showed. However, the story complicated futher when it was revealed that the paper had purchased the book from a health store whose owner recieved the novels wholesale and decided to place them in the window. Later, after the producers ended Jin & Jun, they made Hari Potret into a separated series. An accompanying image even reveled two pages from the book with legible text. There, Hari used the famous spell "Wingardium leviosa" to do ALL kinds of magic (instead of only for levitating objects, as described in the first Harry Potter book). The novel was due for release on Saturday, June 21st, but the newspaper published a plot summary and short quotes on the previous wednesday (the 18th). Hari Potret first appeared in another TV series called Jin & Jun, probably as a small parody regarding to the booming popularity of Harry Potter in Indonesia. On June 19th, 2003, Rowling and her publisher Scholastic announced that they would sue the New York Daily News for $100 million because the newspaper had printed information on her work Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before the book's official release date. The Ken Akumatsu Manga Mahou Sensei Negima is often regarded as a Harry Potter clone, despite the only similarity being a 10-year-old wizard from England. STOUFFER (http://www.eyrie.org/~robotech/stouffer.htm). Recent viewers of the 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes, scripted by Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter movies, have noticed similarities between its characters, setting, events and tone, and those of the Harry Potter series. The 2002 judgement can be found here: ROWLING v. Rowling officially denies being aware of this series, and Gaiman has gone on record stating that he believes similarities to be either coincidence, or drawn from the same fantasy archetypes. A report of the judgement can be found at Entertainment Law Digest (http://www.entlawdigest.com/story.cfm?storyID=3094). These include a dark haired young boy with glasses, named Tim Hunter, who discovers his own potential as the most powerful wizard of his age after being approached by magic-wielding individuals, the first of whom gifts him with a pet owl. Stouffer was also ordered to pay the costs of the appeal. Comic book fans have noted that a comic book series first published in 1990 by DC Comics called The Books of Magic, by Neil Gaiman, shares many similarities to Rowling's book. Accordingly, the District Court correctly dismissed Stouffer's trademark claims.. publisher Scholastic Press, and Warner Bros. Films. Further, the Harry Potter books are novel-length works and whose primary customers are older children and adults whereas Stouffer's booklets appeal to young children. Stouffer was required to pay a portion of the attorney's fees incurred by Rowling, her U.S. Rowling's use of the term "Muggles" describes ordinary humans with no magical powers while Stouffer's "Muggles" are tiny, hairless creatures with elongated heads. Schwartz rejected Nancy Stouffer's claims that she was plagiarised, and fined Stouffer $50,000 for "submission of fraudulent documents" and "untruthful testimony", but stopped short of having Stouffer criminally charged with perjury. Stouffer's and Plaintiffs' marks are used in two very different ways. District Judge Allen G. The Court explained:. U.S. The appeals court agreed that Stouffer's claims were properly dismissed because "no reasonable juror could find a likelihood of confusion as to the source of the two parties' works". The first book features creatures called "muggles". In January 2004, it was reported that Stouffer's appeal against the judgement had been rejected. Rowling prevailed in a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement, filed by Nancy Stouffer, writer of The Legend of Rah and the Muggles and allegedly of Larry Potter and His Best Friend Lilly. Stouffer was fined US$50,000 and ordered to pay part (but not all) of the plaintiffs' costs. His son cheers and Ned throws the book into the fireplace. In September 2002, the court found in Rowling's favour, stating that Stouffer had lied to the court and falsified and forged documents to support her case. The controversy was spoofed on the television show The Simpsons. In one episode, ultra-Christian Ned Flanders "reads" Harry Potter to his son and says "…and Harry Potter and all his wizard friends…went straight to Hell for practicing witchcraft". Rowling and her colitigants argued that much of the evidence that Stouffer presented was fraudulent, and asked for sanctions and attorneys' fees as punishment. Much less controversy has occurred in the United Kingdom, where religion plays a smaller role in public affairs than in the United States. Stouffer, who had not previously sued, then filed counterclaims alleging such infringement. The book The Hidden Key to Harry Potter: Understanding the Meaning, Genius, and Popularity of Joanne Rowling's Harry Potter Novels, written by John Granger, a Reader in the Orthodox Church, claims to uncover Christian themes in its analysis of the story. (the producer of the film adaptations) sued Stouffer, asking the court to judge that there was no infringement of Stouffer's trademarks or copyright. Christian Congregationalist minister John Killinger also argued that rather than corrupting children's minds, the novels encourage young readers to follow the teachings of Jesus. In 2001, Rowling, Scholastic Press (the American publisher of her books), and Warner Bros. The late Pope John Paul II praised the books for their message about the evils of racism and genocide. In the late 1990s, Nancy Stouffer, an author of children's books published in the 1980s, began to publicly charge that Rowling's books were based on her books, including The Legend of Rah and the Muggles, and Larry Potter and His Best Friend Lilly. In contrast, other members of the Catholic Church gave the series their approval, by saying that it is imbued with Christian morals, and that the good versus evil plot is very clear. Rowling has been involved in a lawsuit over the Harry Potter series, and other litigation has been suggested or rumoured. The current Pope, Benedict XVI, also condemned the books, stating they are "a subtle seduction, which has deeply unnoticed and direct effects in undermining the soul of Christianity before it can really grow properly." [4] (http://www.hollywood.com/news/detail/article/2439745). She has also said that she has told Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane certain secrets about their characters that are not yet revealed. See Christian views on witchcraft. She says she has told him more about the later books than anybody else, but not everything. The official exorcist of Rome, Father Gabriele Amorth, believes that the Harry Potter books can be a bad influence on some children by getting them interested in the occult. Rowling assists Steve Kloves in writing the scripts for the films, ensuring that his scripts do not contradict future books in the series. "However, the positive messages are packaged in a medium — witchcraft — that is directly denounced in scripture."[3] (http://www.cesnur.org/recens/potter_06.htm). Rowling's insistence on British actors for the main roles resulted in Steven Spielberg passing on the opportunity to direct the series. "It contains some powerful and valuable lessons about love and courage and the ultimate victory of good over evil," said Paul Hetrick, spokesman for Focus on the Family, a national Christian group based in Colorado Springs. only. Some Christian groups in the United States have denounced the series for promoting witchcraft or Satanism. She only reluctantly went along with changing Philosopher's Stone to Sorcerer's Stone, and limited it to the U.S. The complaints allege that the books have occult or Satanic themes, are violent, and are anti-family. Rowling resisted suggestions by the filmmakers that the movies should be filmed in the United States or cast with American actors (only one American appears in the first film). According to the American Library Association, the Harry Potter novels have been among the most frequently challenged in school libraries since 1998. Rowling, who was a fan of Cuarón's work prior to the third film, has stated that the third film is her personal favorite. The books have provoked various kinds of controversy. A darker atmosphere was adopted in the film version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, attributed to the new director, Alfonso Cuarón. Instead of basking in the glory of his abilities, he is humble, and even bashful, when complimented on his skills. A film version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released in late 2001 and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002. Harry turns out to be a very proficient Quidditch player, and excellent at Defence Against the Dark Arts. This death has heavily affected her writing, according to Rowling. When Harry learns that he is the famous "Boy Who Lived", he is more concerned about living up to his reputation than using it to his own advantage, contrasting with his counterpart, Draco Malfoy. She has contributed money and support to many other charitable causes, especially research and treatment of multiple sclerosis, from which her mother died in 1990. Harry has to spend many tedious years in the muggle world with his abusive relatives, who treat him very poorly. All proceeds from them go to the UK Comic Relief charity. The novels also focus on the importance of humility. They are complete with handwritten annotations and scribblings in the margins, and include introductions by Albus Dumbledore. This theme is explored in the books. The last two purport to be facsimiles of books mentioned in the novels. Fantastic Beasts is a textbook, while Quidditch is probably the most popular book in the Hogwarts library. For example, elves are considered fit for nothing but subjugation and slavery, despite their humanlike feelings and their own unique magical powers. Rowling has also made a guest appearance as herself on the American cartoon show The Simpsons, on a special British-themed episode entitled "The Regina Monologues". There are a great many in the Harry Potter universe that disdain any non "pure" wizard or witch, to say nothing of any intelligent but non-human species(of which there are many). On December 20, 2004, she announced that the sixth Harry Potter book would be released on July 16, 2005. Nevertheless, the wizard world is faced with much prejudice of its own kind. Although she was "amused by the suggestion", she turned the offer down, as she was busy working on the next novel in the Potter series. Even homophobia has made a subtle appearence in the books, in the form of taunting comments from Harry's boorish cousin Dudley in Order of the Phoenix. Davies to contribute an episode to the British television science-fiction series Doctor Who. For example, it is taken for granted that every profession in Rowling's world has personnel who are both male and female; even the sports teams are mixed. In late 2003, she was approached by television producer Russell T. Much like Star Trek, Harry Potter makes statements about real issues of prejudice by assuming that they do not exist. The fifth book was released on June 21, 2003. This theme is expected to arise more and more frequently as the choices Harry must make become more and more difficult. After forcing her publishers to drop her deadline, she enjoyed three years of quiet writing, commenting that she spent some time working on something else that she might return to when she is finished with the Harry Potter series. Also, through the novels, Harry must choose between what is right and what is easy. She said that at one point, she had considered breaking her arm to get out of writing, because the pressure on her was too much. Rowling has commented that Dumbledore often speaks for her. Rowling took some time off from writing at this point, because during the process of writing the fourth book, she felt her workload was too heavy. In Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore makes perhaps his most famous quote on this issue: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." He confronts the issue again in Goblet of Fire, when he tells Cornelius Fudge that what one grows up to be is far more important than what one is born. The fifth book, titled Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was delayed by an unsuccessful plagiarism suit directed towards her by rival author Nancy Stouffer (see below). One of the most significant recurring themes is that of choice. Five of these have already been published. Rowling has stated that, rather than intentionally placing themes in her books, she lets them "grow organically". The Harry Potter series is expected to run to seven volumes, one for each year Harry spends in school. An "anti-fan site" has been started to target this particular actor. Neil Murray, on December 26, 2001. Recently, certain fans had been complaining about the casting of an "Asian" actor for the role of Cho Chang in the fourth Harry Potter film. The sales made her a multi-millionaire, and in 2001, she purchased a luxurious 19th century mansion, Killiechassie House, on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire, Scotland, where she married her second husband, Dr. Ironically, some Harry Potter fans did not absorb the lessons about racism that Rowling teaches her readers. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was a huge success, and she has thus far published four sequels. "Blood purity" also contains elements of the class-system that was previously a feature of British society, particularly within educational institutions such as universities or public schools similar in nature to Harry's school, Hogwarts. Rowling chose to adopt her grandmother's middle name, Kathleen. Ron's mother, Molly Weasley, apparently without realizing it, also expresses open prejudice against werewolves in Order of the Phoenix despite sharing a temporary home with one. Rowling's publisher, Bloomsbury, wanted to use initials on the cover of the Harry Potter books, suggesting that if they used an obviously female name, the target group of young boys might be reluctant to buy them. Even Harry's friend Ron Weasley, from a tolerant family, is shocked to learn of Lupin's lycanthropy in Prisoner of Azkaban, and Hagrid's ancestry in Goblet of Fire. Unemployed and living on welfare, she completed the novel, doing some of the work in an Edinburgh cafe as there was no heating in her home. This theme is explored with characters such as Remus Lupin, a werewolf; Rubeus Hagrid, a half-human, half-giant; and Hermione Granger, who is muggle-born, or of non-magical parentage. On her divorce she came to Edinburgh with her daughter, planning to live near her sister. The most obvious is the analogy of "blood purity" to racism. They had one child, a daughter named Jessica Rowling Arantes (born July 27, 1993), before their divorce in 1995. Like many works of science fiction and fantasy, the Harry Potter series uses analogies to real issues, rather than confronting the issues themselves. While there she married Portuguese TV journalist Jorge Arantes on October 16, 1992. [2] (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm). Rowling then moved to Oporto, Portugal to teach English as a foreign language. All three of the currently released films were among the top ten grossing films of their year, with all three films being in the top 50 films of all time list. She began working on the story during her lunch hours. She has also said that she will not write any sort of "prequel" to the novels since by the time the series ends all the necessary backstory will have been revealed. According to her, by the time she reached her destination, she had the characters and a good part of the plot for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in her head. If she does, she intends it to be a sort of encyclopedia of the wizarding world, containing concepts and snippets of information that were not relevant enough to the novels' plot to be included in them. It was during this period that she had the idea for a story about a young boy who attends a school of wizardry, during a four-hour train trip between King's Cross, London and Scotland. Regarding the existence of Harry Potter novels beyond the seventh, Rowling has said that she might write an eighth book some day. After college she moved to London to work for Amnesty International as a researcher and bilingual secretary. Rowling with proceeds going to Comic Relief. She studied French at Exeter University, spending a year in Paris as part of her studies. K. She attended secondary school at Wyedean Comprehensive, where she told stories to her fellow students. They were Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander and Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp. These books were written by J. Joanne's family moved twice as she was growing up, first to Winterbourne in Bristol and then to Tutshill near Chepstow. In 2001 two books supposedly reproduced from copies owned by Harry (complete with notes scribbled in the margins by Harry and his friends) were published. Rowling also has a sister, Di, two years younger than she, who is now a lawyer. For the English language, there exists an adapted American English version of each book, with lexical changes like football to soccer, video recorder to VCR, or do his nut becoming go ballistic. Her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when Rowling was 15; she died in the early 1990s. See List of titles of Harry Potter books in other languages and Harry Potter in translation series. Rowling's parents met on a train, coincidentally from King's Cross station to Scotland. The Harry Potter books have been translated into many languages. dollars, by writing books; Rowling is also the wealthiest woman in the United Kingdom, well ahead of even Queen Elizabeth II [1] (http://www.forbes.com/2004/02/26/cx_jw_0226rowlingbill04.html) [2] (http://www.forbes.com/lists/results.jhtml?passListId=10&passYear=2004&passListType=Person&searchParameter1=unset&searchParameter2=unset&resultsHowMany=25&resultsSortProperties=%2Bstringfield11%2C-numberfield3&resultsSortCategoryName=Country&fromColumnClick=&bktDisplayField=&bktDisplayFieldLength=&category1=category&category2=category&passKeyword=&resultsStart=301). The books have become popular enough that bookstores now hold "midnight release parties" on the day Harry Potter books are released. In February 2004, Forbes magazine estimated her fortune as £576 million, making her the first person to become a billionaire, in terms of U.S. Harry is expected to leave the school in mid-1998, shortly before his eighteenth birthday — supposing, of course, that he lives to do so (as Rowling likes to remind her readers when asked about Harry's career after school). Rowling's books have gained international attention and have won multiple awards. Certain aspects of the Harry Potter series have even entered the real world, such as Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, which inspired an actual product of that name, marketed by the Jelly Belly Company. Rowling is most famous for being the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. They also fit into a British genre of novels about boarding school life, and sections involving the Dursleys, Harry's relatives, remind some readers of Roald Dahl's works. Rowling (pronunciation: role-ing as in rolling stone), is a British fiction writer. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Joanne Rowling, OBE, (born July 31, 1965 in Yate), commonly known as J.K. R. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001). R. Quidditch Through the Ages (2001). S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia and J. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (July 16, 2005). The books have been compared to many well-known novels, including C. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003). The books are generally written from Harry's point of view, with short exceptions in Philosopher's Stone and Goblet of Fire. This is one reason that readers feel such a strong kinship to Harry; the story is literally told through his character. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000). The books are written in third person limited omniscient mode, with Harry as the central character. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999). Rowling has revealed hints about the plot of the book on her personal website [1] (http://www.jkrowling.com/). Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998). As of early 2005, five books have been published, and an English language publication date of 16 July 2005 has been announced for the sixth volume, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) (titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States). Rowling has announced that seven books are planned, each gradually a little darker than its predecessor, as Harry ages and his nemesis, Lord Voldemort (Tom Marvolo Riddle), gains power. Harry also learns to overcome many obstacles, such as:. Each book chronicles one year in Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he learns to use magic, brew potions, and play Quidditch. Her favourite place to write the first book was at an Edinburgh café table, while drinking endless cups of coffee. Unsubstantiated rumours and magazine articles claim that sales from the books, as well as royalties from films and merchandise, have made Rowling richer than Queen Elizabeth II, though in a 2003 interview, Rowling denied having more than £280,000,000, which is Queen Elizabeth's supposed fortune. According to Rowling, the stories appeared in her head, fully formed, while she was on a train from Manchester to London. There is also a series of Warner Brothers films based directly on the books, the first of which was released in 2001. The Harry Potter books are primarily aimed at older children (because they have progressively darker themes), but have fans of all ages, as demonstrated by the publication of editions of each book with cover artwork intended for adults. The first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States), was released in 1997, but takes place in 1991. Rowling and the movies based on them. K. Harry James Potter (born July 31, 1980) (see timeline) is a fictional young wizard who is the protagonist in a series of fantasy and wizardry novels by J. The gravesite in Jerusalem of a British soldier named Harry Potter has become a tourist attraction. Since her death Rowling has struck up a friendship with Natalie's mother, and decided to add the girl's name to her then-unfinished fourth book. Rowling, but tragically died of cancer the day before the author responded. This girl, an avid Harry Potter fan, e-mailed J.K. Not counting Nicolas Flamel, the only other real person named in the Harry Potter books is Natalie McDonald, who was sorted into Gryffindor in Goblet of Fire. Nicolas Flamel is also referenced as a secret head of the Priory of Sion in Dan Brown's book The Davinci Code. An alchemist of the same name lived in Paris and is a well known historical figure. Albus Dumbledore's partner in the Philosopher's Stone is Nicolas Flamel, an alchemist. The first was Dawn French who played Harry Potter in the same sketch and the "Fat Lady" in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Rowling characters on film to date. Miranda Richardson will play journalist Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: following her appearance in the Comic Relief sketch, this makes her the second actress to have portrayed two J.K. Canadian Cabinet Minister Pierre Pettigrew entered federal politics the same year (1994) that traitor Peter Pettigrew escapes Harry and his friends. A news presenter on Channel 10 News, Gold Coast, Australia, is called Harry Potter. A skit on an episode of the British television series Monty Python's Flying Circus featured a character named Harold Potter. Supporters of Vladimir Putin have often accused the makers of the Harry Potter films of having deliberately modelled Dobby after the Russian president. Simon Ammann, Swiss ski jump athlete who won double Gold medals at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, is affectionately nicknamed "Harry Potter" because he likes to wear big round spectacles. A similar nickname was given to the Bulgarian politician Nikolay Vassilev who started his political career as Minister of Economy, and was later re-assigned Minister of Transport and communications. Dutch Prime Minister (2002—) Jan Peter Balkenende is known for his resemblance to Harry Potter. Wodehouse's 1948 novel Uncle Dynamite includes a character named Police Constable Harold Potter, and another called Hermione (not Granger, but Bostock). G. P. This location is based on a popular British legend which states that the body of the Celtic leader Boadicea is buried under platform ten. The Hogwarts Express train—used by students to get to the school—is located at platform "nine and three-quarters" at King's Cross Station in London. Harry Potter and the Crystal Vase. Harry Potter and the Golden Turtle. Article (http://www.cjvlang.com/Hpotter/ciwawa.html) on the cjvlang website. Harry Potter and the Porcelain Doll (哈利・波特与瓷娃娃 or Hālì Bōtè yǔ Cíwáwa)
Harry Potter and Leopard-Walk-Up-to-Dragon. Harry Potter Kolkataye (Harry Potter in Kolkata (Calcutta)), by Uttam Ghosh. Hari was described as being able to turn all his photos into the moving ones, like those magically-transformed photos/paintings in Harry Potter books.The character of Duta also had a gang of three naughty schoolboys, who resemble Draco Malfoy and his colleagues, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. They unfunnily resembles Harry Potter's best friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger respectively, as Jin Farid was portrayed as funny but plucky (compare to Ron) and Pipit was portrayed as bushy-haired, cunning and bossy (compare to Hermione). Hari made friends with little boy genie, Jin Farid, and a girl fairy, Pipit. They are deceased, murdered by an evil wizard named Baron Muka Peot (roughly translated as "Crumple-Faced Baron") who obsessed with the idea of taking control of the whole world. He lived with his cruel uncle (Oom Balon), aunt (Tante Rika), and cousin (Duta), and later on he discovered that he was the son of the most powerful wizardry couple. It features a little boy named Hari who loved photography (therefore nicknamed 'potret', means 'photo'). Hari Potret, an Indonesian TV series for young children, aired from mid-2000 until late 2004. It was based on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and included such characters as Haggis, Professor Stumblebum, and Mailman, Mailboy's father (the two Malfoys). A collection of Harry Potter sketches on the Australian comedy show Big Bite. "Harry Bladder," a sketch on the children's comedy show All That. A new book had just come out entitled Henry Skreever and the Cabbage of Mayhem and all the characters were reading it. Henry Skreever was the title of a book series in an episode of the children's television show Arthur. In The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, episodes feature "Toadblat's School of Sorcery", Nigel Planter (who has a L on his forehead), and other obvious Harry Potter spoofs. Rowling; Miranda Richardson as Hermione; Nigel Planer as Dumbledore (wearing the beard and costume of Richard Harris); Jeremy Irons as Professor Severus Snape; Ronnie Corbett as Hagrid and Basil Brush as Dobby the House Elf (Basil explains that he only took the role after being turned down for Gollum in The Two Towers). K. It featured Dawn French as a female Harry; Jennifer Saunders as Ron Weasley and J. In 2003, Comic Relief performed a spoof story called Harry Potter and the Secret Chamberpot of Azerbaijan. ([8] (http://www.n-chicken.net/tomfoolery/potterhatemail.shtml) [9] (http://www.n-chicken.net/tomfoolery/potter-madddawg.shtml)). It has led to hate mail from Harry Potter fans who took it seriously. Ethel Roberts: THE TRUTH BEHIND HARRY POTTER!! (http://www.n-chicken.net/misc/potter-essay.shtml)—A essay by the fictional Ethel Roberts, claiming that the Harry Potter books are promoting witchcraft. Torg Potter and the Sorcerer's Nuts (http://www.sluggy.com/daily.php?date=020902) and Torg Potter and the Chamberpot of Secretions (http://www.sluggy.com/daily.php?date=030915)—two one-month storylines of the Sluggy Freelance webcomic, parodying the first two Harry Potter books (the links above show only the opening panels of each storyline). In the following year, Neely also performed "Wizard People" live in several cities, until Warner Brothers took action against theatres that had rented prints, and forced them to cancel the shows. Shortly thereafter, website Illegal Art made Neely's work available for free download. In 2004, the New York Underground Film Festival rented a print of the film from Warner Brothers, screened it with the sound off, and played Neely's soundtrack instead. Originally a free CD shared with Neely's friends, "Wizard People" provides an ongoing farcical narration, meant to be played while a DVD of the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone plays with the sound off. "Wizard People, Dear Readers" (http://www.illegal-art.org/video/wizard.html/)—an audio work by Brad Neely of Austin, Texas. Brink o' Doom (http://home.att.net/~coriolan/musical/brinkofdoom.htm)—a musical based on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by Caius Marcius, featuring lots of singing and dancing, and dementors in kilts, who open the musical by performing a "traditional Azkaban Island fling (i.e., they fling a few prisoners into a vat of molten lead)". Bothering Snape and Trouble at Hogwarts (http://www.potterpuppetpals.com/)—two PG-13 rated parodies featuring puppet-style Harry Potter characters in "new" adventures. "Harry Potter and the Pre-Teen Nerds are Actin' Bad"— a parody of the third film, by Desmond Devlin, illustrated by Hermann Mejia. Cover story of Mad Magazine July 2004 issue. Cover story of Mad Magazine December 2002 issue. "Harry Potter and the Lamest of Sequels"—a parody of the second film, by Desmond Devlin, illustrated by Tom Richmond. Cover story of Mad Magazine December 2001 issue. "Harry Plodder and the Sorry-Ass Story"— a parody of the first film, by Desmond Devlin, illustrated by Mort Drucker. Harry Plodder and the Kidney Stone—a text-driven parody of the first book by Desmond Devlin, illustrated by James Warhola. Cover story of Mad Magazine March 2000 issue. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Fifteen Minutes (http://www.livejournal.com/community/m15m/2237.html)—a popular and hilarious, if a bit sarcastic, re-telling of the third Harry Potter film by Cleolinda Jones. [7] (http://snltranscripts.jt.org/03/03rpotter.phtml). Originally aired May 1, 2004. Features Rachel Dratch as Harry, Seth Meyers as Ron, and guest host Lindsay Lohan as Hermione. Hogwart's Academy: A sketch lampooning a suddenly buxom Hermione. [6] (http://snltranscripts.jt.org/02/02fpotter.phtml). Originally aired November 16, 2002, and hosted by Brittany Murphy. Welcome Back, Potter: A teaser for a new program that placed Harry Potter in the Gabe Kaplan role from the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. See [5] (http://www.colors-computer.hu/~herikokler/). As of 2004, nine volumes have been published. Kókler means 'mountebank, charlatan, swindler' and beside the sound resemblance, the fictional name of the author is a pun too: kb. means 'approx.' and rotring means 'mechanical pencil' in Hungarian (after the noted manufacturer). Rottring (pseudonym) — a series of Harry Potter parodies in Hungarian. B. Heri Kókler, by K. Tanya Grotter (Таня Гроттер in Cyrillic), by Dmitri Yemetz (Дмитрий Емец in Cyrillic)—Russian series about a magical schoolgirl, described by the author, as "a sort of Russian answer to Harry Potter". Porri Gatter by Andreyi Zhvalevskiyi and Igor' Miyt'ko—Belarusian series of Harry Potter parodies. Barry Trotter, by Michael Gerber—a series of Harry Potter parodies published in the United States and the United Kingdom. Director: David Yates. Release: Expected around Spring or Fall 2007. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Director: Mike Newell. Release: November 18, 2005. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Release: June 4, 2004, UK: May 31, 2004. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Story time: 1996–1997. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Release: September 8, 1999. Story time: 1993–1994. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Story time: 1992–1993. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Story time: 1991–1992. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
having the entire school against him (Chamber of Secrets, Order of the Phoenix). dealing with his rival, Draco Malfoy. |