At 8 am customers stand in line at a bookstore in Bremen, northwest Germany, to buy the forth title of Scotish novelist J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books on Saturday, October 14, 2000. (File photo: AP)
Wizarding legend Harry Potter’s tale has turned 20.
Author J.K. Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in Britain on June 26, 1997.
Since then, it has sold more than 450 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 79 languages. The books’ magical world has inspired multiple films, spinoffs, memorabilia and amusement park attractions. The White Elephant Cafe, the Edinburgh spot where Rowling wrote the first book, has become an international tourist destination.
20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others. It's been wonderful. Thank you.#HarryPotter20
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2017
Rowling’s publisher, Bloomsbury, will release four new editions of the book, one for each house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, in honor of the anniversary.
Still waiting on my letter from Hogwarts #HarryPotter20 pic.twitter.com/ez1S4QJmlY
— Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug) June 26, 2017
happy anniversary! #HarryPotter20 pic.twitter.com/41Gr9JiToC
— pyjamas the terror (@sadfishkid) June 26, 2017
#HarryPotter20 Dear @JK_Rowling, YOU made me and so many others love books & reading. As your magic LIVES ON, I literally owe you my life. x pic.twitter.com/o4LRbWrAsC
— Adam MS (@Muh_Sadam) June 26, 2017
