Easton Press J.K. Rowling books
Scholastic Press J.K. Rowling books
Author J.K. Rowling
Joanne "Jo" Rowling (born 31 July 1965), who writes under the pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author, best known as the creator of the Harry Potter fantasy series, the idea for which was conceived whilst on a train trip from Manchester to London in 1990. The Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold hundreds of millions of copies.Although she writes under the pen name "J. K. Rowling", pronounced rolling (IPA: /ˈroʊlɪŋ/), her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply "Joanne Rowling". Before publishing her first book, her publisher Bloomsbury feared that the target audience of young boys might be reluctant to buy books written by a female author. It requested that Rowling use two initials, rather than reveal her first name. As she had no middle name, she chose K. for Kathleen as the second initial of her pseudonym, from her paternal grandmother. The name Kathleen has never been part of her real name. Following her marriage, she sometimes uses the name Joanne Murray when conducting private matters. She calls herself "Jo" and says, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry."
Aside from writing the Potter novels, Rowling is perhaps equally famous for her "rags to riches" life story, in which she progressed from living on welfare to multi-millionaire status within five years. She has become a notable philanthropist, supporting such charities as Comic Relief, One Parent Families and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain.
Early life
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16.1 km) northeast of Bristol. Her sister Dianne (Di) was born at their home on 28 June 1967 when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded almost 200 years ago by famed abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her elderly headmaster at St. Michael's, Alfred Dunn, was claimed as the inspiration for the Harry Potter character Albus Dumbledore.As a child, Rowling enjoyed writing fantasy stories, which she often read to her sister. "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it," she recalls, "Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee."
At the age of nine, Rowling moved to the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind", gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College. Rowling has said of her adolescence, "Hermione is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books. "Ron Weasley isn't a living portrait of Sean, but he really is very Sean-ish." Of her musical tastes of the time, she said "My favourite group in the world is The Smiths. And when I was going through a punky phase, it was The Clash." Rowling read for a BA in French and Classics at the University of Exeter, which she says was a "bit of a shock" as she "was expecting to be amongst lots of similar people– thinking radical thoughts." Once she made friends with "some like-minded people" she says she began to enjoy herself. With a year of study in Paris, Rowling moved to London to work as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International.
Idea for Harry Potter
However, in December of that year, Rowling’s mother died, after her ten-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Rowling commented, "I was writing Harry Potter at the moment my mother died. I had never told her about Harry Potter." Rowling said this death heavily affected her writing and that she introduced much more detail about Harry's loss in the first book, because she knew about how it felt.
Rowling then moved to Porto, Portugal to teach English as a foreign language. While there, on 16 October 1992, she married Portuguese television journalist Jorge Arantes. Their one child, Jessica Isabel Rowling Arantes (named after Jessica Mitford), was born on 27 July 1993 in Portugal. They separated in November 1993. In December 1994, Rowling and her daughter moved to be near her sister in Edinburgh, Scotland. During this period Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression, and contemplated suicide. It was the feeling of her illness which brought her the idea of Dementors, soulless creatures featured in Harry Potter.
After Jessica's birth, Rowling left her teaching job, choosing instead to survive on welfare while working on her first novel. She wrote in many cafés, especially Nicolson's Café, whenever she could get Jessica to fall asleep. In a 2001 BBC interview, Rowling denied the rumour that she wrote in local cafés to escape from her unheated flat, remarking, "I am not stupid enough to rent an unheated flat in Edinburgh in midwinter. It had heating." Instead, as she stated on the American TV program A&E Biography, one of the reasons she wrote in cafés was because taking her baby out for a walk was the best way to make her fall asleep.
In 1995, Rowling finished her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on an old manual typewriter. Upon the enthusiastic response of Bryony Evans, a reader who had been asked to review the book’s first three chapters, the Fulham-based Christopher Little Literary Agents agreed to represent Rowling in her quest for a publisher. The book was submitted to twelve publishing houses, all of which rejected the manuscript. A year later she was finally given the green light (and a £1500 advance) by editor Barry Cunningham from Bloomsbury, a small British publishing house in London, England. The decision to publish Rowling's book apparently owes much to Alice Newton, the eight-year-old daughter of Bloomsbury’s chairman, who was given the first chapter to review by her father and immediately demanded the next. Although Bloomsbury agreed to publish the book, Cunningham says that he advised Rowling to get a day job, since she had little chance of making money in children’s books. Soon after, in 1997, Rowling received an £8000 grant from the Scottish Arts Council to enable her to continue writing. The following spring, an auction was held in the United States for the rights to publish the novel, and was won by Scholastic Inc., for $105,000. Rowling has said she “nearly died” when she heard the news.
In June 1997, Bloomsbury published Philosopher’s Stone with an initial print-run of 1000 copies, five hundred of which were distributed to libraries. Today, such copies are valued between £16,000 and £25,000. Five months later, the book won its first award, a Nestlé Smarties Book Prize. In February, the novel won the prestigious British Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year, and later, the Children’s Book Award.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the inaugural novel in the iconic Harry Potter series, was published in 1997. This enchanting tale introduces readers to the captivating world of wizardry, friendship, and adventure that would captivate the hearts and imaginations of millions worldwide.The story begins with a seemingly ordinary boy named Harry Potter, who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is, in fact, a wizard. As he delves into the mysterious and wondrous world of magic, Harry discovers that he is famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the dark wizard Voldemort as an infant, which left him with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. With this revelation, Harry embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and bravery that will shape his destiny and the fate of the wizarding world. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry befriends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, forming a close-knit trio as they navigate the challenges and wonders of their magical education. Together, they uncover dark secrets, confront formidable adversaries, and embark on thrilling adventures that will test their courage and loyalty.
Central to the plot is Harry's quest to unravel the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone, a legendary magical artifact said to grant immortality. Along the way, he confronts challenges, overcomes obstacles, and learns valuable lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the power of love. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is celebrated for its richly imagined world-building, vivid characterization, and irresistible blend of humor, suspense, and heart. Rowling's storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to create a world that feels simultaneously fantastical and familiar, drawing readers into its enchanting embrace from the very first page.
The novel's enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil, as well as its relatable and endearing characters. Harry Potter's journey from an ordinary boy living in a cupboard under the stairs to a hero destined to confront the forces of darkness has resonated with readers of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring a global phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone not only launched one of the most successful literary franchises in history but also ignited a passion for reading and storytelling in generations of readers. Its legacy as a modern classic is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the timeless appeal of stories that transport us to magical realms where anything is possible.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second installment in J.K. Rowling's acclaimed Harry Potter series, was published in 1998, continuing the magical adventures of the young wizard and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this captivating tale, Rowling delves deeper into the mysteries of the wizarding world, weaving a spellbinding narrative filled with danger, intrigue, and the enduring bonds of friendship.The story picks up shortly after the events of the first book, with Harry Potter eagerly returning to Hogwarts for his second year. However, his joy is short-lived when mysterious and sinister occurrences begin to plague the school. Students are mysteriously petrified, and ominous messages scrawled in blood proclaim the opening of the Chamber of Secrets, a hidden chamber said to house a deadly creature. As the danger escalates, Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, sets out to uncover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets and clear the name of their friend Hagrid, who has been wrongly accused of unleashing the monster. Along the way, they encounter new allies and adversaries, including the mysterious Tom Riddle and the loathsome house-elf Dobby, whose warnings and cryptic messages may hold the key to unraveling the mystery. Central to the plot is the ancient legend of Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts, who is said to have constructed the Chamber of Secrets and placed within it a fearsome creature known as the basilisk. As Harry delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers dark secrets from Hogwarts' past and confronts the true nature of his own destiny.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is celebrated for its richly detailed world-building, intricate plotting, and memorable characters. Rowling's vivid imagination and masterful storytelling shine through in her ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in reality, drawing readers into its enchanting embrace with every twist and turn of the plot. The novel's themes of courage, loyalty, and the power of friendship resonate deeply with readers of all ages, as Harry and his friends face challenges that test their resolve and strengthen their bonds. From the whimsical charm of Diagon Alley to the dark depths of the Forbidden Forest, Rowling takes readers on a thrilling journey through the wizarding world, where danger lurks around every corner and nothing is quite as it seems. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a testament to the enduring appeal of Rowling's magical universe and the timeless power of storytelling to captivate the imagination. Its legacy as a beloved classic is a testament to the enduring impact of Harry Potter's adventures on readers around the world, inspiring a love of reading and a sense of wonder that transcends generations.
Harry Potter guides and handbooks
Harry Potter Film Wizardry
Harry Potter Film Wizardry is a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magical world of the Harry Potter film series. Featuring stunning photographs, intricate illustrations, and fascinating anecdotes, this book offers fans an immersive journey into the making of the beloved movies. From the enchanting sets and spellbinding special effects to the iconic props and costumes, Harry Potter Film Wizardry reveals the secrets and artistry behind bringing J.K. Rowling's wizarding world to life on the big screen. With exclusive interviews, concept art, and never-before-seen images, this enchanting volume is a must-have for any Harry Potter aficionado, offering a treasure trove of insights and delights for fans of all ages.Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey
Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey is the ultimate companion for fans of the beloved wizarding series. This comprehensive volume takes readers on an extraordinary behind-the-scenes journey into the making of the iconic film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's magical saga. Packed with stunning photographs, concept art, and insider interviews, this lavishly illustrated book provides an in-depth exploration of every aspect of the filmmaking process, from casting and costume design to special effects and set construction. With exclusive insights from the cast and crew, as well as never-before-seen images and anecdotes, Harry Potter Page to Screen offers a fascinating glimpse into the wizarding world like never before. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual admirer, this definitive guide is an essential addition to any Harry Potter collection, providing a magical journey through the cinematic masterpiece that captured the hearts of millions worldwide.Harry Potter: The Creature Vault
Harry Potter: The Creature Vault invites readers into the fascinating world of magical creatures that inhabit the Harry Potter universe. From the majestic Hippogriff to the mischievous Cornish Pixies, this lavishly illustrated book showcases the incredible creatures brought to life on screen through intricate designs, stunning concept art, and behind-the-scenes photographs. With exclusive insights from the filmmakers and creature designers, this captivating volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the creative process behind bringing these fantastical beings to life. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual admirer, Harry Potter: The Creature Vault is an essential addition to any collection, providing a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of creatures that inhabit J.K. Rowling's magical world.The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook
The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook is a comprehensive compendium of spells, charms, and curses from the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Written by media personality and Harry Potter enthusiast Media Lab Books, this unofficial guide offers fans a deeper understanding of the incantations that populate J.K. Rowling's beloved series. In this spellbinding volume, readers embark on a journey through the wizarding world, uncovering the secrets behind each magical invocation and the incantations that bring them to life. From familiar spells like "Lumos" and "Alohomora" to lesser-known charms and hexes, the book provides detailed descriptions, pronunciation guides, and insights into their origins and uses.The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook is more than just a collection of magical incantations; it's a celebration of the rich tapestry of spells that populate Rowling's imagination and the enduring appeal of the Harry Potter series. With its meticulously researched content and engaging presentation, the book captures the essence of Rowling's magical universe and invites readers to explore its wonders in greater depth.
While not officially endorsed by J.K. Rowling or the Harry Potter franchise, The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook has garnered praise from fans for its comprehensive coverage, attention to detail, and passionate devotion to the world of Hogwarts. Whether you're a seasoned wizard or a curious Muggle, this spellbinding guide is sure to delight and inspire, offering a deeper appreciation for the magic that continues to captivate readers of all ages.
The Unofficial Harry Potter Character Compendium: Mugglenet's Ultimate Guide to Who's Who in the Wizarding World
Dive into the enchanting world of Harry Potter with The Unofficial Harry Potter Character Compendium,' the ultimate guide to the magical inhabitants of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. Compiled by the experts at MuggleNet, this comprehensive compendium introduces readers to every character, big or small, from the beloved series. From the heroic trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the sinister figures of Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange, this meticulously researched guide provides fascinating insights, trivia, and behind-the-scenes tidbits about each character's backstory, motivations, and contributions to the epic saga. Whether you're a devoted Potterhead or a newcomer to the magical realm, this indispensable reference is your passport to Hogwarts and beyond.The Unofficial Harry Potter
Bestiary: MuggleNet's Complete Guide to the Fantastic Creatures from the
Realm of Wizards and Witches
The Unofficial Harry Potter Bestiary: MuggleNet's Complete Guide to the Fantastic Creatures from the Realm of Wizards and Witches is a captivating exploration of the magical creatures that inhabit J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. Compiled by the experts at MuggleNet, this comprehensive compendium offers readers an immersive journey into the rich tapestry of creatures that populate the pages of the Harry Potter series.From the majestic Hippogriff to the mischievous Niffler, each creature is meticulously examined, with detailed descriptions, fascinating insights, and behind-the-scenes trivia about their origins, behavior, and significance to the wizarding world. Whether it's the mysterious Thestrals that pull the carriages to Hogwarts or the fearsome Hungarian Horntail that Harry faces in the Triwizard Tournament, this definitive guide provides readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the magical menagerie that fills Rowling's imagination. The Unofficial Harry Potter Bestiary is more than just a catalog of creatures; it's a celebration of the wonder and imagination that define Rowling's magical universe. With its engaging prose, stunning illustrations, and wealth of information, this enchanting volume invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the fantastical creatures that captivate the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world.
Whether you're a dedicated Potterhead or a curious Muggle, The Unofficial Harry Potter Bestiary is an essential addition to any collection, offering a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary creatures that inhabit the wizarding world and the enduring magic of J.K. Rowling's beloved series.
The Unofficial Harry Potter Hogwarts Handbook: MuggleNet's Complete Guide to the Wizarding World's Most Famous School
The Unofficial Harry Potter Hogwarts Handbook: MuggleNet's Complete Guide to the Wizarding World's Most Famous School is an indispensable companion for any aspiring witch or wizard eager to unravel the mysteries of J.K. Rowling's magical world. Compiled by the experts at MuggleNet, this comprehensive handbook offers readers an immersive journey into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Within the pages of this enchanting volume, readers will find everything they need to know about life at Hogwarts, from its illustrious history and revered faculty to its enchanting curriculum and cherished traditions. Delve into the secrets of the Sorting Hat, learn the intricacies of potion-making in Snape's dungeon, and discover the wonders of magical creatures in Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class.
Through detailed descriptions, captivating illustrations, and behind-the-scenes insights, The Unofficial Harry Potter Hogwarts Handbook brings the magic of Hogwarts to life in vivid detail. Whether you're a seasoned witch or wizard or a wide-eyed Muggle venturing into the wizarding world for the first time, this definitive guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of Hogwarts and immersing yourself in the wonder and enchantment of J.K. Rowling's beloved series.
With its wealth of information, engaging prose, and undeniable charm, The Unofficial Harry Potter Hogwarts Handbook is an essential addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection, offering a captivating glimpse into the storied history and enduring magic of the world's most famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Certain to make reading (or re-reading)
the Harry Potter series that much more intriguing, this book explores
the traditional and extraordinary in equal measure, uncovering details
about the school that readers will savor, including:
- The history and traditions of Hogwarts, including notable alumni
- Details of the four founders, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin
- How the school is organized with teachers, prefects, headboys and headgirls
- Holidays, feasts and celebrations
- The castle layout, classrooms, common rooms, courtyards, dungeons, secret rooms and more
- Details into the "living" artwork throughout the castle
- Artifacts, enchantments, protections and secret passageways
- Hagrid's Hut, the Whomping Willow, The Forbidden Forest and beyond!
- A visitor's guide to Hogsmeade
- Castle inhabitants, including professors, ghosts and staff
- Details of student life, academics, text books and much more!
The Unofficial Harry Potter Companion: Sorcerer's Stone
Embark on an enchanting journey into the world of Harry Potter with 'The Unofficial Harry Potter Companion: Sorcerer's Stone.' This delightful companion guide offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the first book in J.K. Rowling's beloved series, 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' Packed with fascinating insights, behind-the-scenes trivia, and captivating illustrations, this unofficial companion is the perfect companion for fans of all ages. Whether you're a longtime devotee or discovering the magic of Hogwarts for the first time, 'The Unofficial Harry Potter Companion: Sorcerer's Stone' is your ticket to the enchanting world of wizardry, friendship, and adventure.Discover & Explore:
- Harry’s four classmates who are never mentioned again.
- Can owls use the Floo Network?
- Which character has a connection to Jane Austen?
- The real significance of “Mars is bright tonight.”
- On what day did Harry’s first Quidditch match take place?
- How the Mirror of Erised arrived at Hogwarts.
- What is the meaning behind Hagrid’s name?
Presented by the dedicated minds behind the popular Alohomora! podcast, which has been downloaded by more than 7 million global listeners, there is always something new to ensnare your senses. From magical theories about the wizarding world to real-life literary references, this book will help you see Harry’s incredible journey as if you’re stepping onto the Hogwarts Express for the first time…again.
Dumbledore: The Life and Lies of Hogwart's Renowned Headmaster
Dive into the enigmatic life of Hogwarts' most revered figure with 'Dumbledore: The Life and Lies of Hogwarts' Renowned Headmaster.' This captivating exploration delves deep into the mysteries surrounding Albus Dumbledore, offering readers a revealing glimpse into his past, his secrets, and his extraordinary legacy. From his early years as a brilliant young wizard to his pivotal role in shaping the fate of the wizarding world, this unofficial biography unravels the truth behind the enigmatic headmaster's life and decisions. Packed with insightful analysis, compelling anecdotes, and fascinating revelations, 'Dumbledore' sheds light on the man behind the legend, inviting readers to discover the untold stories and hidden truths of one of literature's most iconic characters.
Harry Potter quotes
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - Albus Dumbledore
"After all this time?" "Always." - Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." - Albus Dumbledore
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." - Fred and George Weasley
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - Albus Dumbledore
"The ones that love us never really leave us. You can always find them in here." - Sirius Black
"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it." - Albus Dumbledore
"Dobby is free." - Dobby
"Don't let the Muggles get you down." - Ron Weasley
Source and additional information: J.K. Rowling


