Harry Potter fever soars
2005-06-27 14:05
London - Harry Potter fever is gripping book stores across the world in the countdown to next month's launch of the sixth volume in the boy wizard series, which looks set to become the biggest-selling novel ever.
Multi-millionaire author Joanne "JK" Rowling is due to unveil Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at a special ceremony in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, at midnight on July 16.
In preparation, millions of copies of Potter's latest adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry are rolling off the printers ready to hit bookstands across the globe.
"It is just going to be fantastic," said Lucy Holden, head of children's publicity at British firm Bloomsbury, the original publisher of the collection, noting that at least 1 000 book stores in Britain alone were expected to open their doors at midnight to sell the first copies to fans.
English-language versions will also be available on the day in other countries, with translated manuscripts due out later, said Holden, adding Harry Potter and his battle against the evil powers of Voldemort was particularly popular in India, China and Japan.
Record-breaking sales expected
Book shops and online retailers are preparing for record-breaking sales from the instalment and a price war has erupted in Britain as they compete to pull in as many Potter addicts — both young and old — as possible. Most are also promising free gifts and special entertainment on the big day.
"We are expecting it to be the biggest book ever," said a spokesperson for Waterstones, Britain's main independent book chain, which has already taken a huge number of pre-orders for the sixth book.
"Looking at other big literary launches there is not anything that comes close to it," she said, requesting anonymity.
At midnight, Waterstones plans to open a number of its outlets across Britain and throw a string of Harry Potter parties, with many fans expected to turn up dressed as their favourite characters from the series such as the bespeckled star himself or his two best friends, the red-haired Ron Weasley and brainy Hermione Granger.
WH Smith, Britain's biggest book seller, is counting on a magical boost from the Harry Potter craze as well, and will open stores at witching hour, said a company spokesperson.
"Nothing else touches it"
Dan Brown's conspiracy thriller The Da Vinci Code was the supermarket giant Asda's best-selling novel last year and company spokesperson Nick Agarwal predicted Harry Potter would beat that figure three-fold on the opening day alone.
The talented young wizard's adventures "are the biggest game in town as far as books are concerned", said Agarwal. "This year, in terms of book sales, is all about Harry Potter there is nothing else that touches it."
The series — which has already spawned three blockbuster movies, with a fourth due out in November — has also enchanted sales at online retailers.