U.S. Census Bureau June 28: Harry Potter 15th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:
THURSDAY, JUNE 28: HARRY POTTER 15TH ANNIVERSARY
Profile America - Thursday, June 28th. Fifteen years ago this week, the first of a series of books was published in the United Kingdom - "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published in the U.S. with the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The books, written by J.K. Rowling, ended up breaking all known publishing records, selling 450 million copies and translated into more than 60 languages. Some critics have credited the series with sparking an increase in reading among juveniles. In addition, the seven novels have been made into wildly successful motion pictures. Nearly $23 billion worth of printed books are sold in the U.S. each year.
Profile America is produced by the U.S. Census Bureau: Measuring America - People, Places, and Our Economy.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 330
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 1134
Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau.