Rowling in tears during visit Dec 25, 2007
The author was a single mother living on benefits in the cramped home, near Edinburgh, Scotland, when she began writing the first novel about the schoolboy wizard - 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The book series has gone on to sell over 400 million copies worldwide, earning her an estimated 545 million (US$1. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Harry Homecoming Dec 24, 2007
The author was a struggling single mother on benefits when she began writing her first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." (In the U.S., the book was titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."). She has now gone back to the flat in Edinburgh, where she lived during that time and where she dreamed up the story of the schoolboy wizard. (Fox News)
The Golden Compass| Dec 7, 2007
Like 'The Fellowship of the Ring' and 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' before it, 'The Golden Compass' spends a great deal of time setting things up, juggling between locations, creating atmospheres and introducing the many characters who all have a part to play in the continuing saga. It's a contrived setup not unlike a Grade 1 child relating their holiday experience to the class: "And then we went to the beach, and then we bought ice-cream and then we played with the dog and then and... (iAfrica.com)
Xbox movie downloads make UK debut Dec 5, 2007
Titles available at launch include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Matrix trilogy, Zodiac, Ocean's Eleven, The Perfect Storm, Swordfish, Three Kings, The Good German, Training Day, The Fugitive, Risky Business, Space Cowboys, Eyes Wide Shut, Analyse This, Demolition Man, Eraser, Executive Decision, Lethal Weapon 3, Lethal Weapon 4, Mars Attacks, Clash of the Titans, Superman III and Dead Calm. The Xbox Live... (VNUNet.com)
How Harry Potter taught one failing class the magic of maths Nov 15, 2007
" Subject range In English, pupils are creating a screenplay from a chapter in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone. In physical education they have practised balancing in a way that would allow them to climb onto a broomstick. "Historically, the school had a really bad reputation, which is why I applied for the job here," Mrs Chambers said. "But (the success) isn't just down to the creative curriculum. This wouldn't happen if the staff weren't on board, prepared to take risks and step out... (BBC News -- UK)
Harry Potter school gets magic results Nov 15, 2007
In English, pupils are creating a screenplay from a chapter in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone. In physical education they have practised balancing in a way that would allow them to climb on to a broomstick. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
Potter 1st Edition Sells for Nearly $41K Oct 29, 2007
The copy of the hardback first edition of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published in 1997 and signed "Joanne Rowling" on the back of the title page, was sold to an anonymous private bidder for $40,326 at Christie's auction house. At a London auction in May, a copy of "Philosopher's Stone" inscribed with a personal dedication to the owner sold for more than $55,000, including buyer's premium. (TIME)
Berry backs out of a joke Oct 26, 2007
Top dollar for 'Harry' A first-edition hardback copy of J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter novel, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published in 1997 and signed "Joanne Rowling" on the back of the title page, was sold to an anonymous private bidder for $40,326 yesterday at Christie's auction house in London. (AP). (Boston Globe)
'I just met my idol' Oct 24, 2007
TORONTO J.K. Rowling says she knew one of the most beloved characters in her bestselling Harry Potter series was gay "probably before the first book [Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone] was published" in 1997. Speaking at a media conference yesterday in Toronto, the world's wealthiest author made the comment in the wake of her revelation last week that Albus Dumbledore, the late headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry Potter's training school, had what she called a "tragic infatuation" with a... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Rowling says she knew Dumbledore was gay early on Oct 24, 2007
TORONTO J.K. Rowling says she knew one of the most beloved characters in her best-selling Harry Potter series was gay probably before the first book [Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone] was published in 1997. Speaking at a media conference yesterday in Toronto, the world's wealthiest author made the comment in the wake of her revelation last week that Albus Dumbledore, the late headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry Potter's training school, had what she terms a tragic infatuation with the dark... (Globe and Mail)
Rare Potter 'to sell for 12,000' Oct 23, 2007
Whoever buys the copy of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone will see the book signed "Joanne Rowling". The auction at Christie's in London on Thursday will also feature an uncorrected proof copy of the book. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Entertainment Podcast Oct 20, 2007
Entertainment Archive, - CBS News. Entertainment Report. (CBS News)
Goathland North Yorkshire UK Oct 3, 2007
Known as Aidensfield in "Heartbeat" and Hogsmeade railway station in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", this English village is a popular tourist destination. Goathland is located in the North Yorkshire Moors between Pickering and Whitby just off of highway A169. (Suite101.com)
Radcliffe to play gay spy Sep 29, 2007
SEARCH MOVIE LISTINGS: lect. SEARCH RESTAURANTS: lect. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Potter takes film franchise crown Sep 12, 2007
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 September 2007, 09:02 GMT 10:02 UK. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter Book Ending Creates Headache for U.K. Bookmaker William Hill Aug 9, 2007
The first book in the series, ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,'' called ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' in the U.S., was published in 1997. The books are published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in the U.K. and Scholastic Corp. in the U.S.. (Bloomberg)
Robert McCrum gives his verdict Jul 29, 2007
The Observer did not review HP1 (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone), but there was sufficient buzz about HP2 (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) for it to sneak a diary mention, and for HP3 (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) to get a book review. By HP4 (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), the launch of the book had graduated to the status of a news event. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
A fond look back at Harry Jul 26, 2007
Career breakthrough: In 1996, the publisher Bloomsbury bought Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ... Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, found a literary agent, and in 1996, British publisher Bloomsbury made her an offer. (USA Today)
Under Harry's Spell Jul 24, 2007
Last spring, a Rowling-signed first edition of the first Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (renamed "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) was auctioned in London for $56,319. Top Video. (Fox News)
Potter star 'gets 20m birthday' Jul 24, 2007
Radcliffe was only 11 years old when he was selected to star in the first Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Previously, he had appeared in a BBC adaptation of David Copperfield and alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the film The Tailor of Panama. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Morrisons and Asda in Potter price war Jul 23, 2007
It is 10 years since the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, introduced us to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since then the books have sold 325m copies worldwide, been translated into 64 languages and spawned five blockbuster films. (This is Money)
Comment: Will Hutton Jul 22, 2007
But once Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published to critical acclaim, Rowling had begun to break through the 'nobody knows' barrier. And by telegraphing there were more books to come, she cleverly laid the bait for each successive book to become an even greater event. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Harry Potter Fans Swamp U.K. Stores at Midnight as Final Book Goes on Sale Jul 22, 2007
Bloomsbury had such modest hopes for ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'' that it ordered a first print run of just 500 copies. Early reviews were positive, though, and publicity generated by a lucrative U.S. deal with Scholastic boosted the book's slow-burning success. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Potter's fate finally in readers' hands Jul 22, 2007
She spent four hours musing on the character and started writing "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (later retitled "Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) that night ... It took two years for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to find a publisher and another year for it to be released in Britain, but once it hit, it hit hard. (CNN -- Showbiz)
* Potter fans await `P-day' Jul 21, 2007
Deathly Hallows is the last book in a series that began a decade ago with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the story of an orphaned boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. Since then, Rowling's books have sold 325 million copies in 64 languages, and the launch of each new volume has become a Hollywood-scale extravaganza. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Harry Potter fans get a final fix Jul 21, 2007
The first six books, starting with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 1997, have sold 325 million copies and the first five movies in the film franchise have amassed around $4 billion at the global box office. Source: Agencies. (Aljazeera.Net)
Find out here Jul 21, 2007
Fearing that American readers would either not understand the word "philosopher" or not associate it with a magical theme, Scholastic insisted that the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone be given the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the American market. -- Courtesy Wikipedia. (The Palm Beach Post)
Spoilers, hysteria as Potter's end nears Jul 21, 2007
The first six books in the series, which began with 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' in 1997, have sold 325 million copies and the first five movies in the film franchise have amassed around $4 billion at the global box office. Harry Potter has made people look at the children's book world in a way they wouldn't have before,' said Caroline Horn, children's news editor at the Bookseller publication. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Potter Fans Bet Boy Wizard Kills Self in Final Book as Wagering Ends Jul 20, 2007
The first book in the series, ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,'' called ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' in the U.S., was published in 1997. The timing of the fifth movie opening and its success so far has helped fuel interest in the final novel. (Bloomberg)
Magic millionsThe potion of books and broomsticks that conjured Potter gold Jul 19, 2007
Since Ms Rowling was paid a 3,000 advance in 1995 for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - which had a print run of just 500 - more than 300 million copies of the six Harry Potter books have been sold. And this Saturday, many bookshops will open at midnight to satisfy demand for the final novel, the 608-page Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which will bring to an end the tales of the wizard's adventures. (BBC News -- Business)
...if you skip to the end you miss the magic Jul 18, 2007
And that possibility will no doubt please her international circle of publishers, many of whom must be suffering withdrawal pangs at the projected end of a series that has sold more than 325 million copies since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone appeared in 1997. Search the News Search. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter Stamps Go On Sale In Britain Jul 18, 2007
The titles of the books are all the same as the U.S. releases with the exception of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the first book in author J.K. Rowling's series. "Philosopher's Stone" was renamed "Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone" for the U.S. release. (NBC 11, CA)
A premature peek at the Potter finale Jul 18, 2007
More than 325 million Potter books have been sold worldwide since the series made its debut in England in 1997 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Anticipation for the seventh book's release has been building since the start of the year when Ms. Rowling indicated that several characters would die in the final instalment, prompting intense speculation that Potter himself might meet his end at the hands of his arch-enemy Lord Voldemort. (Globe and Mail)
Harry Potter fans cast 'silencio' on book spoilers Jul 18, 2007
In the 10 years since the first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- renamed "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" for U.S. release -- hit bookshelves, the heretofore six books in Rowling's series have been translated into at least 60 languages, with more than 325 million copies sold across the globe. Not to put too fine a point on it, but Harry Potter's the biggest thing to happen to books in a long, long time. (Sacramento Bee)
A global spell| Jul 17, 2007
Just 1000 copies of the first edition of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' initially were printed in English, with Rowling earning a mere 1500 ( 2200, $3000) for her efforts. Now she is richer than Queen Elizabeth II, said to be worth about one billion dollars, and the first editions have become collectors' items themselves worth a small fortune. (iAfrica.com)
* Final `Harry Potter' instalment to go on sale next Saturday Jul 16, 2007
Since the original publication in 1997 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Rowling has made an estimated US$1 billion from the wizarding novels. The final book is set to shatter even those records. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
The A to Z of Harry Potter Jul 16, 2007
Just 1,000 copies of the first edition of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' initially were printed in English, with Rowling earning a mere 1,500 pounds (2,200 euros, 3,000 dollars) for her efforts ... Later that same night, she began working on the original manuscript for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and continued with the draft when she moved to Manchester with her then-boyfriend ... By 1995, 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' was finally finished, but Rowling's... (Khaleej Times)
J.K. Rowling and the bags of magic millions Jul 15, 2007
A dozen turned down Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, perhaps feeling that the market in school-wizard stories was already well-tilled ... Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first appeared on June 30, 1997. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter's Last Spell? Jul 15, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007. Final Potter tome set to fly off shelves Posted: 15 July 2007 1132 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Two-month Proms season begins Jul 14, 2007
The Proms programme also includes a concert featuring scores from celebrated British films including The Dam Busters, Shakespeare in Love, Bridge Over The River Kwai and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. SEE ALSO 25 Apr 07 | Entertainment 19 Apr 07 | Entertainment 12 Apr 07 | In Pictures 16 Mar 07 | Tees 04 Sep 06 | Entertainment 15 Jul 06 | Entertainment 14 Jul 06 | Entertainment. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Turning the page on Pottermania Jul 14, 2007
Initially, the company was simply the Canadian distributor of the British hardcover edition of Rowling's debut, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published in June, 1997, by Bloomsbury. Raincoast's first Potter order, for 150 copies, came from Vancouver Kidsbooks in late 1998. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter and the Sad, Empty Feeling Jul 13, 2007
Many have followed the series devotedly - even obsessively - since the 1997 publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. "The attachment has been so long, and each release has been its own cycle of anticipation and then grief when it's over," says Heather Servaty-Seib, an assistant professor at Purdue University in Indiana and an expert in childhood grief. (Globe and Mail)
Potter reviews lukewarm, but muggles won't mind Jul 12, 2007
1 billion), starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001. Online ticket seller Fandango. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter sneak peek Jul 10, 2007
Before Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was accepted for publication, eight publishers turned J.K. Rowling's manuscript down. -- Courtesy Wikipedia. (The Palm Beach Post)
Potter comes of age Jul 9, 2007
As with Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as Hermione and Ron, his acting has improved out of sight since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. But while this instalment is a must-see for fans, the sheer weight of plot might have less enthusiastic muggles checking their watches. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Boy-wizard makes a stunning return Jul 9, 2007
The nervous, bespectacled cherub from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) is now a tall, strapping, aggressive young man with moral purpose, revenge on his mind and a killer aim when it comes to casting spells at point-blank range. In his latest fantasy adventure, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth and easily the best film in the franchise, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) makes good on those hints in earlier films that he has what it takes to stand up and throw down. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Fans grow up, but still make spectacles of themselves Jul 9, 2007
But as the fifth instalment reaches cinemas - just before the seventh novel arrives in bookshops - the bright-eyed 12-year-olds who dressed in capes and sorting hats for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone have grown up. They are now going to bars and voting and are probably more interested in parties than potions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Harry Potter index page Jul 9, 2007
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (U.S. title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone). Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Live Earth a ratings flop Jul 9, 2007
ITV1's Saturday night line-up proved more popular than Live Earth for much of the evening, with a repeat of movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone watched by 3. 5 million viewers and attracting a 26% share between 4. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Potter to work his magic on Hindi, Tamil and Telugu audiences too Jul 9, 2007
The first movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released in early 2000, earned domestic distributors around Rs 2. 5 crore, while the fourth sequelHarry Potter and the Goblet of Firerelased in 2005 fetched domestic distributors close to Rs 5 crore. (Business Standard)
The greatest story ever sold Jul 8, 2007
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) by J.K. Rowling ... When first-time author Joanne Rowling produced Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997, the book about a young wizard at a magical boarding school was an instant success in her native Britain, and was soon imported into Canada. (Globe and Mail)
Bubbles replace Muggles as Potter author finishes series Jul 7, 2007
Hotel staff noticed the writing and the bust - possibly the most valuable souvenir of the Potter series after an autographed first-edition of the inaugural book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - was immediately taken out of the room for safe-keeping. The sixth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, sold more than two million copies on the first day of publication in Britain alone, while the series has sold 325 million books in 64 languages. (Scotsman)
The magnificent seven Jul 7, 2007
They were children when Harry burst onto the scene in 1997's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, emerging, like him, from their cupboards under the stairs to have adventures in the wider world, and they grew up in step with him. And the books grew in complexity as the lives of their readers grew more complex with age. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Harry Potter was almost a Yankee Jul 6, 2007
Another filmmaker reluctantly conceded that if the first film, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, was to be made, it would probably have to retain its English setting - but in order to make the movie palatable, it would be necessary to turn Harry into an American. And there was a further proposal - that Harry's two friends, Hermione and Ron, should also be American because kids in the U.S. needed home-grown heroes who didn't have funny accents. (Vancouver Sun)
The boy wizard grows up Jul 3, 2007
The following year, with auditions ongoing for the first Potter film - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Heyman bumped into Radcliffe's parents, who were family friends, at a play Radcliffe was acting in. Having been impressed by Radcliffe, Heyman asked the boy's father if young Daniel could audition for the part of Harry Potter, a part Radcliffe eventually won, with the release of the first Potter film in 2001. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Which books capture their era? Jul 3, 2007
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) JK Rowling. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (2000) Dave Eggers. (Guardian Unlimited -- Arts)
Like 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek,' Potter is a modern phenomenon Jul 1, 2007
"In fact, if there is a downside to Rowling's story it is the distinct danger she will be called 'The New Roald Dahl,' which would be an albatross around her slender shoulders," the Glasgow-based The Herald warned in June 1997 with publication of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the first Potter book. "Philosopher's Stone" was released in England with a tiny first printing. (North County Times)
More Technology Stories People & Entertainment Headlines Daniel Radcliffe: the boy wizard grows up Jul 1, 2007
The following year, with auditions ongoing for the first Potter film -- "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- Heyman bumped into Radcliffe's parents, who were family friends, at a play Radcliffe was acting in. lect. (Yahoo! Asia News)
A look at the Harry Potter phenomenon Jun 30, 2007
"In fact, if there is a downside to Rowling's story it is the distinct danger she will be called 'The New Roald Dahl,' which would be an albatross around her slender shoulders," the Glasgow-based The Herald warned in June 1997 with publication of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the first Potter book. "Philosopher's Stone" was released in England during business hours with a tiny first printing. (The Salinas Californian)
New 'Harry Potter' Movie Unveiled In Japan Jun 29, 2007
The Harry Potter books have been translated into 65 languages and sold more than 325 million copies since the first volume, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," was published in 1997. (The book was published in the United States with the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."). (Click2Houston, TX)
Japan goes wild about Harry Jun 29, 2007
The Harry Potter books have sold more than 325m copies since the first volume, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997 ... Probably not, but the darkest moments of Phoenix are a far cry from the comparative innocence of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. (Guardian Unlimited)
Orders for New Harry Potter Up 17 Pct. Jun 28, 2007
The Harry Potter books have been translated into 65 languages and sold more than 325 million copies since the first volume, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," was published in 1997. But Bloomsbury is under pressure to find new sources of revenue as the Harry Potter series draws to a close. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Rare Potter First Edition Sells For Big Bucks Jun 28, 2007
According to Bonhams auctioneers in London, a first edition of author J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" sold for $18,000 Tuesday at an auction to an anonymous buyer. Bonhams said that the price is unprecedented for a book that is relatively new and whose author is still alive. (Click2Houston, TX)
Freedom for Paris Jun 27, 2007
First editions of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- published in the United States as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" -- are valuable because of their rarity, the auction house said. The publishers produced between 500 and 1,000 copies in the book's first run. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Wizardry takes a dark turn in Harry Potter fifth series film Jun 23, 2007
The Harry Potter books have been translated into 65 languages and sold more than 325 million copies since the first volume, ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,'' was published in 1997. The frenzy that now attends each new book launch is reaching a climax with the publication of the seventh and final book, ``Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,'' on July 21. (Hindu)
