Raise your wands in unity once more- this time, to celebrate twenty years of magic and wonder. Twenty years ago, a book was released. This wouldn’t turn out to be just an ordinary book, destined to end up on the dusty shelves of second-hand bookstores, after having lived out its days of popularity. No, this book was destined to shape an entire generation, to open our imaginations to magic and wonderful things, and to live on forever as a paper and ink home to those who find solace between its pages. This book is called Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
J.K. Rowling has given us an entire world of wonder, and we cannot be more grateful for it. In 1990, on a delayed train to London, an idea about wizardry and a school for it found its way into the mind of the brilliant author. The idea was fully formed, and obviously held a lot of promise, and the author began writing as soon as she reached home.
Upon finishing the novel, J.K. Rowling sent copies that were typed on a typewriter to twelve different publishers. All of these publishers rejected the book, a decision that probably brought on a lot of regret now. However, in 1995, Bloomsbury agreed to publish her book. Little did they know that this would be the greatest decision they ever made. On the 26th June 1997, the magic was given to the rest of the world. The world was introduced to Harry Potter and his friends, and to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We were given a chance to escape reality in the greatest way possible.
J.K. Rowling received many awards, and the book went on to becoming an international bestseller. It has since sold more than 450 million copies worldwide, in many different languages.
The book was spellbinding and brilliant, and quickly earned a large fan base, consisting of people of all ages. Before the world realised, Harry Potter had become more than just words on a page. It became a home and a source of comfort. It became childhood. The story ignited the minds of every reader, leaving them wishing for a Hogwarts acceptance letter in the mail.
Not many books make you want to live in its world, but it can be safely said that every reader would love to climb into Harry Potter and become a part of that fantastical world.
J.K. Rowling went on to writing six more books in the series, each possessing the same magic that we were dazzled with in the first one. Every time you reread Harry Potter, you will feel the same wonder and amazement you felt upon your first read. The magic never dies.
We have learned so much from these books- we have learned about loss and friendship, bravery and loyalty. We have learned about the importance of love and family, and the importance of never wavering in your journey on the path to good. And finally, we have learned that evil will always fail in the face of good. These are lessons that we will take with us as we grow older.
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We definitely will never forget the words that started it all,
“Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”
To celebrate, Bloomsbury has released four new Hogwarts house editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The book covers are adorned with house designs, and these editions will have exciting new content such as character profiles, fact files and exclusive illustrations.
Explore the world through the books, films and on Pottermore.
Remember, “Whether you come back page by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
And years from now, if you are revisiting the magic and someone asks, “After all this time?”, reply with,
“Always”.
