Bloomsbury initially published just 500 copies of Philosopher’s Stone, but following rave reviews and 120 million copies, not to mention a blockbuster film, Harry Potter is very much in the public realm.
Rowling’s follow-up to The Philosopher’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, was published the following year in 1998, while Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban was published in 1999. They were followed by Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, The Order Of The Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows.
The first film, which propelled stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint to global fame, was released in 2001 and the franchise wrapped up in 2011.
We take a look at some pictures celebrating the boy wizard and the fandom around the series, from films, to postage stamps that celebrate The Boy Who Lived.
9. Where the magic started
Undated handout photo issued by Hansons auctioneers of three first editions of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, including a rare hardback, rescued from a school's skip that are going up for auction on May 21, when they are expected to fetch thousands. Photo: Hansons auctioneers
10. Book launches were the main events
Youngsters up and down the country patiently waited for the new Harry Potter books. Photo: TR
11. Auctioneer Jim Spencer holds a pristine first edition hardback of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, one of only 500 produced in the first print run in 1997
Auctioneer Jim Spencer holds a pristine first edition hardback of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, one of only 500 produced in the first print run in 1997 22. Photo: Jacob King
12. Twins Harris and Ethan Christie, both 9, pose with the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ trolley at Edinburgh Waverley train station
Twins Harris and Ethan Christie, both 9, pose with the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ trolley that was unveiled at Edinburgh Waverley train station. Following this, the trolley will tour stations across the UK and Ireland, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone release in UK cinemas. It will magically pop up in Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin. Photo: Robert Perry/PinPep