J.K. ROWLING: THE VISIONARY BEHIND HARRY POTTER
About the author
J.K. Rowling is a British author and philanthropist best known for writing the Harry Potter series, a globally loved fantasy story about a young wizard and his adventures. The seven-book fantasy saga, published between 1997 and 2007, has sold over 600 million copies, been translated into 84 languages, and led to a global franchise including films and video games.
Early life and inspiration
Joanne Rowling, known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, was born July 31, 1965, in Yate, England, into a middle-class family. Her parents, who met on a train from King’s Cross station in London to Arbroath, Scotland, inspired one of the most iconic settings in her future work: the magical “Platform 9 3⁄4” at King’s Cross. Rowling’s love for stories began early, encouraged by her mother’s passion for reading. As a child, she enjoyed writing and created her first story, Rabbit, at age six. By eleven, she had written a short story titled The Seven Cursed Diamonds.
She later studied French and Classics at the University of Exeter, and her studies in Latin proved helpful when she started to shape magical spells in Harry Potter. Rowling’s love for fantasy and myth came from her interest in folklore and classic literature, themes that would later inspire her iconic creations.
How the idea for Harry Potter was born
After finishing university, Rowling moved to a flat in Clapham Junction with friends and trained as a bilingual secretary. While working temporary jobs in London, she was hired by Amnesty International to document human rights issues in French-speaking Africa. In 1990, Rowling planned to move to Manchester with her boyfriend and frequently took train trips to visit. The idea for Harry Potter came to her during a train journey that was delayed from Manchester to London. Without pen or paper, she imagined the characters and story, writing them down later at home. She moved to Manchester later that year, taking temporary jobs at the Chamber of Commerce and Manchester University. It was a challenging personal time, made harder by her mother’s death in December 1990. Her loss and grief profoundly influenced her writing, inspiring the creation of the Mirror of Erised and Harry’s struggles with loss and mortality.
Personal struggles and writing of Harry Potter
In 1991, she moved to Portugal, where she met her future husband, the Portuguese television journalist Jorge Arantes. The couple married in 1992, and their daughter Jessica was born the following year. However, the marriage was short and abusive. They separated later that year, and Rowling returned to Scotland. She had drafted much of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by then. Living in a small flat on government assistance, Rowling faced poverty and depression but found strength in caring for her daughter and writing. She completed her first novel while working temporary jobs and training to become a teacher.
In 1996 Rowling earned her teaching certificate, and her book was already finished. She often wrote in cafés and later said that writing Harry Potter helped her cope with her struggles and gave her purpose.
The theme of the book
The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, introduces Harry Potter, an orphan who finds out on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. After that, he began attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series follows Harry’s adventures with his friends Ron and Hermione and his battle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who was responsible for the death of his parents. Rowling wrote six more books in the series, completing Harry’s story.
The making of a bestseller
J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in June 1995, including a drawing of Harry with his iconic lightning-shaped scar. After completing the manuscript, she sent the first three chapters to several literary agents. After multiple rejections, her work eventually caught the attention of Bloomsbury, which published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. Barry Cunningham, head of Bloomsbury’s children’s books division, decided to publish the book after Bloomsbury’s head, Nigel Newton, shared it with his eight-year-old daughter, who loved the story. Rowling was told she likely wouldn’t make money from children’s books.
The Scottish Arts Council supported Rowling with a grant so she could write the sequel, Chamber of Secrets. Philosopher’s Stone was published on June 26, 1997, with an initial print of only 5,650 copies. The book became an instant hit, captivating readers worldwide.
Harry Potter’s rise to success
At the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Scholastic bought the US rights to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for $105,000. The US edition was renamed “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was released in September 1998, becoming an instant bestseller. The following books, Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets (1998), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), and Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire (2000), were huge successes, selling millions of copies worldwide. Fans waited eagerly for Order of the Phoenix, which took three years to write due to its length but was finally released in June 2003, selling millions on its first day. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince followed in July 2005, and the series concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in July 2007, both breaking sales records and confirming Rowling’s global success.
Literary phenomenon
The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone began an unprecedented rise in the popularity of Harry Potter books. The book captured the imagination of readers, young and old, rapidly becoming a bestseller. The seven-book series proved popular beyond expectations, with each book more successful than the previous one. The series concluded in 2007 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. By that time, J.K. Rowling’s status as a great storyteller was confirmed, and in 2008 she was the world’s highest-paid author, with over 500 million copies sold and a blockbuster film franchise bringing Hogwarts to life. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the fastest-selling book ever, with 2.65 million UK copies sold in 24 hours. The series set publishing milestones and initiated a global cultural movement, inspiring fans and bringing them hope and belonging through its magical world.
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Discover the magic of Harry Potter Studio on a self-guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio. Enjoy convenient escorted train transportation from central London and experience the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Explore iconic sets like Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Great Hall. Walk through Diagon Alley, visit Ollivanders and Platform 9 ¾, and discover costumes, props, details, and sets used in the films. After an unforgettable journey to the Wizarding World, use your open train ticket to return to London with ease.
Impact beyond books
Rowling’s work changed modern fantasy literature and brought new interest and love for reading to people worldwide. The Harry Potter series shares themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against injustice, connecting with readers of all ages. Beyond storytelling, Rowling has contributed to education and literacy initiatives, making a significant difference beyond her stories.
Harry Potter films
Warner Bros. purchased the film rights to the first two Harry Potter books for $1 million in 1999. Rowling agreed, with conditions for script approval and control over merchandising. The first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in November 2001. Screenwriter Steve Kloves worked with Rowling to keep the films true to the books. The series ended with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, split into two parts released in 2010 and 2011.
In 2013, Warner Bros. and Rowling created a prequel series based on “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The first film came out in 2016, followed by Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018 and Secrets of Dumbledore in 2022. In November 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would not continue the Fantastic Beasts series or expand the Wizarding World films further.
Life after Harry Potter
After finishing the Harry Potter series, Rowling explored new genres, writing adult novels like The Casual Vacancy and crime fiction under Robert Galbraith. She expanded the wizarding world with the Fantastic Beasts film series, her screenwriting debut 2016, and the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Rowling also wrote charitable books like Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, raising funds for Comic Relief and Lumos to help vulnerable children. She also launched Pottermore in 2012, which became Wizarding World Digital in 2019, keeping the magic alive for the new generation of fans.
Philanthropy and legacy
Rowling is involved with charitable work, supporting causes like children’s welfare, multiple sclerosis research, and fighting poverty. Through her foundation, Lumos, she works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children worldwide. Her work as a writer and legacy as a storyteller and philanthropist continues to inspire millions. She has received many honors, including OBE for services to children’s literature, France’s Légion d’Honneur, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. J.K. Rowling’s journey from a struggling writer to one of the most famous authors of all time is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling that can bring people together.
The global impact of J.K Rowling
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books are a global success, selling over 600 million copies by 2023, translated into 84 languages, and inspiring movies and games. The first three topped The New York Times bestseller list for over a year and the final four set sales records.
While later works like The Casual Vacancy and the Cormoran Strike series were less popular, The Casual Vacancy became a UK bestseller.
Harry Potter remains loved for its relatable characters and school setting.
Critics have mixed opinions, and the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child divided fans but earned good reviews. In 2016, director John Tiffany’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child won the Olivier Award for Best Director.
Personal life
Rowling lives in Scotland with her family and remains private despite her global fame. She continues to write, engage with fans, and contribute to creative projects related to the magical world she created. Her journey from a struggling writer to one of the most celebrated authors is a story of resilience and imagination. Through her diverse creative efforts and dedication to charitable initiatives, J.K. Rowling continues to inspire many.
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Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with our small group guided tour of The Making of Harry Potter. Explore original sets, props, and costumes from all eight films, including The Great Hall, Dumbledore's Office, Diagon Alley, a recreation of Platform 9 ¾, Professor Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic, and more. Travel easily with escorted train transportation and timed entry. Your guide will share fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes secrets. After the tour, enjoy unlimited time to revisit and explore the studio at your own pace. This tour is a dream come true for every Harry Potter fan!
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour & London Film Locations
Spend the day discovering the magic of Harry Potter on a guided walking tour through iconic London filming locations. Explore actual sites featured in the movies as your expert guide shares behind-the-scenes stories. Afterward, travel comfortably by luxury bus to Warner Bros. Studio for the "Making of Harry Potter" tour. Discover how the movies were brought to life, step aboard the Hogwarts Express, look inside Dumbledore's office, and walk along the famous street of Diagon Alley. Visit the Potions classroom and other memorable sets from the series. A must-see experience for anyone who loves the Wizarding World.