

In seven extraordinary books published over ten years, Harry’s story became a massive worldwide bestseller, breaking all records and winning the devotion of legions of fans. Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. Especially as it becomes clear quite how different he is from them.Īs his eleventh birthday arrives, the time comes for Harry Potter to discover the truth about his magical beginnings – and embark on the enthralling, unmissable adventure that will lead him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his true friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, powerful secrets and a destiny he cannot avoid. But ten years later, Harry Potter sleeps in a cupboard under the stairs, and the Dursleys – Vernon, Petunia and their son Dudley – don’t exactly treat him like one of the family.

They might have thought that his aunt and uncle would look after him kindly. It starts with Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid leaving a baby boy, with a tuft of jet-black hair and a curiously shaped wound on his brow, on the doorstep of number four, Privet Drive. (From Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) 'He’ll be famous – a legend – I wouldn’t be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter Day in future – there will be books written about Harry – every child in our world will know his name!'
