The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, is a globally renowned set of seven fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The series takes place primarily at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil.
Since the release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the books have found immense popularity, positive reviews, and commercial success worldwide. They have attracted a wide adult audience as well as younger readers, and are widely considered cornerstones of modern literature.
The books have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, making them the best-selling book series in history, and have been available in 85 languages. The last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history, with the final instalment selling roughly 2.7 million copies in the United Kingdom and 8.3 million copies in the United States within twenty-four hours of its release.
The original seven books were adapted into an eight-part namesake film series by Warner Bros. Pictures. The total value of the Harry Potter franchise was estimated at $25 billion, making Harry Potter one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
Brief overview of each book in the series:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S.):
- Harry learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday and begins his first year at Hogwarts.
- He discovers the truth about his parents' deaths and faces the dark wizard Voldemort for the first time.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets:
- In his second year, Harry uncovers the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and battles the monster within.
- He learns more about Tom Riddle, the young Voldemort.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
- Harry's third year is marked by the escape of Sirius Black from Azkaban.
- Harry learns about the betrayal of his parents' secret keeper and discovers the truth about Sirius.
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
- During his fourth year, Harry unexpectedly becomes a contestant in the Triwizard Tournament.
- The story culminates in Voldemort's return to power.
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:
- Harry forms Dumbledore's Army to combat the rising threat of Voldemort.
- He copes with increasing pressures and loss, and witnesses the death of Sirius Black.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:
- In his sixth year, Harry learns about Voldemort's horcruxes.
- The book ends with the tragic death of Albus Dumbledore.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:
- The final book follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they leave Hogwarts to destroy the remaining horcruxes.
- The series concludes with the Battle of Hogwarts and the final defeat of Voldemort.
The series has been immensely popular, spawning a major film franchise, a stage play ("Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"), various spin-off works, and a wide array of merchandise. The books have received critical acclaim for their imaginative world, complex characters, and the intricate plot that appeals to both children and adults.
The novels fall into the genre of fantasy literature, and qualify as a type of fantasy called "urban fantasy", "contemporary fantasy", or "low fantasy". They are mainly dramas, and maintain a fairly serious and dark tone throughout, though they do contain some notable instances of tragicomedy and black humour. In many respects, they are also examples of the bildungsroman, or coming of age novel, and contain elements of mystery, adventure, horror, thriller, and romance. The books are also, in the words of Stephen King, "shrewd mystery tales", and each book is constructed in the manner of a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery adventure.
In Harry Potter, Rowling juxtaposes the extraordinary against the ordinary. Her narrative features two worlds: a contemporary world inhabited by non-magical people called Muggles, and another featuring wizards. It differs from typical portal fantasy in that its magical elements stay grounded in the mundane. Paintings move and talk; books bite readers; letters shout messages; and maps show live journeys, making the wizarding world both exotic and familiar. This blend of realistic and romantic elements extends to Rowling's characters. Their names are often onomatopoeic: Malfoy is difficult, Filch is unpleasant, and Lupin is a werewolf. Harry is ordinary and relatable, with down-to-earth features such as wearing broken glasses; the scholar Roni Natov terms him an "everychild". These elements serve to highlight Harry when he is heroic, making him both an everyman and a fairytale hero.
