Harry Potter

See all Harry Potter items on halfvalue

The Harry Potter books by English writer J.K. Rowling are nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Each new book in the series is greeted with frenzied anticipation, and pre-sales of the books are higher than any in recent history. Hollywood quickly rushed to make films of the books, something that can occasionally hurt the original, but readers have shown incredible loyalty to the publications.

Like A Wrinkle in Time or the Narnia series, the Harry Potter books are aimed at children, but enjoyed equally by adults. The stories, published one a year for the past six years, follow the education of young Harry Potter as he moves between the ordinary world of Muggles who don't appreciate him and a fantasy world of wizardry where he has incredible powers. His journey is one of understanding his powers and his world.

The Harry Potter books have spawned more than a film series. They have created an entire industry of memorabilia, fan clubs and cult-like devotion. Few are unfamiliar with the name Harry Potter today, and the first printings of the books may well be collector's items some day. Whatever the case, Harry Potter has already made his way into literary history.

The Harry Potter books brought out a love of reading in many children who had never previously enjoyed it. There they discovered a language and story that made them want to read the next volumes in the series. That, too, is a notable achievement in an era where books are competing with multiple entertainment choices.