Bloomsbury initially published just 500 copies of Philosopher’s Stone, but following rave reviews and 120 million copies, not to mention a blockbuster film, Harry Potter is very much in the public realm.
Rowling’s follow-up to The Philosopher’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, was published the following year in 1998, while Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban was published in 1999. They were followed by Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, The Order Of The Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows.
The first film, which propelled stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint to global fame, was released in 2001 and the franchise wrapped up in 2011.
We take a look at some pictures celebrating the boy wizard and the fandom around the series, from films, to postage stamps that celebrate The Boy Who Lived.
13. Eli Chmelik who has set the Guinness World Record for identifying the most Harry Potter characters from quotes from the Harry Potter films in one minute
Eli Chmelik, 11, who has set the Guinness World Record for identifying the most Harry Potter characters from quotes from the Harry Potter films in one minute, at his home in Manningtree, Essex. Eli successfully identified 19 quotes. Picture date: Wednesday January 26, 2022. Photo: Joe Giddens
14. The Lonely Broomstick
The Lonely Broomstick. New Harry Potter themed store which opened in Falkirk. The store has a Harry Potter potion making room for parties, gift shop and magical beverages. Photo: Michael Gillen