A Brief Introduction Into The Harry Potter Phenomenon

By Author: Carolyn Clayton
Total Articles: 130
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All the way back in 1997 the first edition of the book series hit the shops. A little known author called J. K. Rowling had a dream, (should that be vision?), on a train between Manchester and London. It was of the scrawny, forlorn, bespectacled, child wizard that was to become the last decade's literary icon. It was from this very humble beginning that the Harry Potter phenonium was born.

So came the first book; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The young wizard is introduced to the world of magic, Hogwarts school of witchcraft and his friends and enemy; 'he who must not be named'. From the first book, the young magician was widely acclaimed, receiving a range of literary awards and public affection. This book was subsequently translated into various languages, and renamed as Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone in countries such as India and America. As early as 1998, the global domination had begun.

With the second book came the author's second Children's Book Of The Year in a row. Publicity was drummed up and suddenly children throughout the schools of England were starting to prick their ears up to ...
... the wizard's series. The phenomenon was definitely here to stay.

The next year the third installment came out, and here it was, the series had taken off of the ground and the stories were developing as the characters grew up. The books started to reach an adult audience, as more mature themes began to dominate the text. They were even published with different covers for the adults; it seems some didn't want to be seen reading a children's novel. This theme of maturity continued throughout the series, so there are many who grew up alongside the characters of the books.

Then, in 2001, came the films. A direct following of the books, the movies spread the word of Harry Potter to even further audiences. A vast array of talented and prestigious British actors adorned the silver screen to live out the dreams of J. K. Rowling. Over the entire series these have, worldwide, grossed a whopping total of $6,369,976,303.

Now there are a great deal of companies offering Harry Potter tours in the heart of London. Aimed at families these tours traverse the underground tube system and buses, in search of set locations. They are also intertwined with a treasure hunt, so those visiting England's capital city can get a geographically informative and interesting view of the place.
Brit Movie Tours offer a huge range of London tours including Harry Potter Studio Tours and Doctor Who Experience Cardiff.