J.K. Rowling

On June 26, 1997, J.K. Rowling published her first book, 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (titled 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in the United States). This book marked the beginning of the internationally successful 'Harry Potter' series, which would go on to become one of the best-selling book series in history. The book introduces readers to Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series gained widespread popularity, critical acclaim, and commercial success worldwide, and it has been translated into numerous languages.

On July 2, 1998, J.K. Rowling released the second book in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'. This novel continued the story of the young wizard, Harry Potter, and his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book follows Harry and his friends as they investigate a sinister mystery involving an heir of Slytherin and a secret chamber in the school. The book was well received by critics and readers alike, securing Rowling's place as a prominent figure in children's literature.

J.K. Rowling published 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', the third installment in the Harry Potter series, on July 8, 1999. The book follows Harry Potter during his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This time, the plot revolves around the escape of Sirius Black from the wizarding prison Azkaban, and the perceived threat he poses to Harry. Rows of praise accompanied the book from critics and audiences, who commended Rowling for crafting a more mature and intricate storyline, helping to expand on the wizarding world with new characters and magical concepts.

On July 8, 2000, the fourth book in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' by J.K. Rowling, was published. This installment dives deeper into darker themes and features the Triwizard Tournament, a magical competition held between schools. The book significantly expanded the series' scope and complexity, particularly with the return of the dark wizard, Voldemort. The release of this book was a major event, marking the first time a Harry Potter book was published concurrently in both the UK and the US, and it solidified Rowling’s worldwide literary fame.

The film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' premiered on November 16, 2001. Directed by Chris Columbus, the movie brought the magical world of Harry Potter to the big screen, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its faithfulness to the source material and its visual effects that captured the imagination of audiences globally. As the first in a series of film adaptations, the movie set a high standard for future installments and played a crucial role in expanding the Harry Potter franchise.

J.K. Rowling's fifth installment in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', was published on June 21, 2003. This book continues the story of Harry Potter as he returns to Hogwarts for his fifth year, facing the increasing dangers posed by Lord Voldemort. The novel delves deeper into themes of authority, rebellion, and the psychological burdens of carrying great responsibility. 'Order of the Phoenix' is known for introducing Dolores Umbridge, a new antagonist, and for its portrayal of the complex battle between good and evil, which captivated readers worldwide.

On July 21, 2007, J.K. Rowling published 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', the seventh and final book of the Harry Potter series. The novel concludes the story of Harry Potter's quest to defeat the dark wizard Voldemort. It ties together plot threads from earlier books, revealing long-hidden secrets and culminating in a climactic battle at Hogwarts. The release was eagerly anticipated by fans and marked the end of an era for the Harry Potter franchise. This final book was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and receiving widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and satisfying conclusion.

J.K. Rowling's first publication outside of the Harry Potter series, 'The Casual Vacancy', was announced on April 12, 2012, with its release later that year. This novel marked a departure from Rowling's previous work, as it was aimed at an adult audience and explored themes relevant to contemporary British society, such as politics, class, and social issues. Set in a small English town, the book examines the impact of the unexpected death of a local councillor, highlighting the various tensions and dramas within the community. The book was met with mixed reviews, but it showcased Rowling's ability to tackle different genres and audiences.

On July 31, 2012, J.K. Rowling launched Pottermore, an online platform designed to bring the world of Harry Potter to a digital audience. Pottermore provided fans with a new way to explore the beloved series, offering exclusive content, interactive features, and an online store for Harry Potter e-books and audiobooks. Rowling contributed additional information and background about the series, enriching the Harry Potter universe. Pottermore became a hub for fans to engage with the story and connect with one another, fostering a global community of Harry Potter enthusiasts.

On July 14, 2013, it was revealed that J.K. Rowling had been writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith for her crime novels featuring detective Cormoran Strike. The first book, 'The Cuckoo's Calling', had been released earlier that year in April without Rowling's name attached, and had garnered modest success. The revelation that Rowling was the author dramatically increased sales and brought new attention to the novel. Writing as Robert Galbraith allowed Rowling to experiment with the crime genre away from the intense scrutiny of her previous works, and it demonstrated her versatility as an author.