The first book in the Harry Potter series, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, was released in the United Kingdom on June 26, 1997. This marked the beginning of a global publishing and pop culture phenomenon that continues to draw in readers nearly three decades later.
Global Impact
The series, written by J.K. Rowling, has since been translated into 85 languages and has sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling book series in history. The books have inspired eight blockbuster feature films and have become a beloved part of many people’s childhoods.
The release of the fourth book in the series, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, was particularly notable, with die-hard fans lining up outside shops and bookstores for midnight releases. These events often featured costume contests, trivia, and games, and provided fans with a chance to experience the magic of reading and camaraderie.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.