Harry Potter by Rowling, Illustrator, Signed (54 results)

Hardcover. Condition: New. 1st Edition. First edition of Harry Potter: A Magical Year illustrated by Jim Kay (2021). First impression. Medium format hardback in new condition. Signed by illustrator Jim Kay to title page. Published by Bloomsbury. Please see pictures. Any questions please get in touch, PayPal accepted. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Good. Flat Signed by Jim Kay. 1st edition, 1st printing. VG condition book with dust jacket. DJ is clean, has fresh colours and has little wear to edges. Book has clean and bright contents.

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Kay, Jim; Packer, Neil (illustrator). 1st Edition. First impression of this 2022 illustrated edition in new condition, signed by both illustrators Jim Kay and Neil Packer to the title page, no markings, this is a new book, please see pics. Jacket in removable protective sleeve. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. Kay, Jim; Packer, Neil (illustrator). 1st Edition. 1st UK edition thus 1st printing signed by both Jim Kay and Neil Packer directly to the title page without inscription. Book is as new. Dustjacket as new and has no obvious flaws. Text block and corners clean and bright and appears unopened and unread Covered in clear acetate for protection. Large and heavy book and will attract additional postage costs for overseas orders. Very nice collectable copy.Thanks for looking and please check out my other signed books on Abe. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. 1st UK edition thus 1st printing and signed byJim Kay directly to the title page without inscription. Book is fine apart from 2 creases running through the title page from top to bottom - assumed at printers or after signature. Dustjacket has a tiny tear to top edge on back cover but no other obvious flaws. Text block and corners clean and bright and appears unopened and unread. Large and heavy book and will attract additional postage costs for overseas orders. Very nice collectable copy.Thanks for looking and please check out my other signed books on Abe. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good ++ / Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Kay, Jim (illustrator). First Thus. A UK first edition thus, first impression - with a complete number string which includes the number 1. SIGNED by the illustrator. The Wrapper : The wrapper on this copy is very bright, is unfaded, and is complete. The wrapper is unclipped. The lower leading edge corners are slightly bruised. Looks very sharp. The Book : The book is square and very tight. There are no previous ownership inscriptions. The boards are clean and unfaded. The lower leading edge corners are slightly bruised. The pages are clean and unmarked. The closed page edges are unmarked. No foxing, no spotting. The binding is tight - no cracked hinges. No remainder marks. SIGNED to the title page by Jim Kay. A very nice copy in a protected wrapper. Paypal accepted. Please note that this is a heavy book and as such postage will be greater than that quoted by ABE. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. 1st UK edition thus 2nd printing and rare signed by Jim Kay directly to the title page without inscription. Book is fine. Dustjacket has no obvious flaws. Text block and corners clean and bright and appears unopened and unread Large and heavy book and will attract additional postage costs for overseas orders. Very nice collectable copy. Thanks for looking and please check out my other signed books on Abe. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. First American Edition. 6 1/4 X 9 1/4 Inches. 652 PP. First printing with complete number line to the "1" on the copyright page. Original price of $29.99 intact on front flap. Signed by illustrator Mary Grandpre on the title-page. Small blemish to top gutter. A nice copy overall.

Hardcover. First American Edition, First Printing. Octavo, x, 759 pages. In Very Good condition with a Very Good condition dust jacket. Orange and tan spine with red gilt lettering. Dust jacket is wrapped in a mylar covering, price uncut "$34.99", has mild shelving wear. Boards have mild bending along the spine head and tail edges and head fore corners. Textblock has light foxing and dents along the edges. Signed flat by the illustrator Mary GrandPré on the title page. Shelved in Room C. 1393058. Special Collections.

Hardcover. GrandPré, Mary (illustrator). First American Edition, First Printing. Octavo, xi, 870 pages. In Very Good minus condition with a Very Good condition dust jacket. Blue spine with blue gilt lettering. Dust jacket is wrapped in a mylar covering, price uncut "$29.99", has mild shelving wear. Boards are slightly warped, has mild bending wear along the spine tail, and front tail fore corner. Textblock has light stains on pages 363, 411, and 867, and light foxing along the edges. Signed flat by the illustrator Mary GrandPré on the title page. Shelved in Room C. 1393040. Special Collections.

Hardcover. Condition: As New. No Jacket. Jim Kay (illustrator). Harry Potter: A Magical Year - First Edition, First Printing, Hardback (Bloomsbury, 2021) Signed by Jim Kay Author: J.K. Rowling Illustrator: Jim Kay Edition: First Edition, First Printing Condition: Fine, unread; as issued without a dust jacket Signature: Signed by the illustrator, Jim Kay This beautifully illustrated book is an official Harry Potter publication, capturing the magic of the series in a calendar-style format. A genuinely authentic first printing copy, perfect for collectors or fans of the wizarding world. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. First edition first impression of this illustrated edition in new condition, flat signed by illustrator Jim Kay to title page, no markings, this is a new book, jacket in removable protective sleeve, please see pics, PayPal accepted, any questions please get in touch. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. London: Bloomsbury Children's Book, 2022. Kay, Jim; Packer, Neil (illustrator) First Edition. 565pp. Hardcover: NEAR FINE. Dust Wrapper: FINE. SIGNED by both Illustrators. The fifth instalment of J.K. Rowling's classic, presented in full-colour by Jim Kay, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, and acclaimed guest artist Neil Packer. With more than 160 illustrations, this reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series is an fantastic artistic achievemen by two virtuoso artistic talents. Please note that this is a heavy book; additional shipping costs will be calculated based on destination. Signed by Illustrator.

Hardcover. Condition: New. Jim Kay (illustrator). First edition-first printing. Mint condition. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2021. First edition-first printing (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the Illustrator on the title pages. Pictorial hardback in mint condition, no Dj cover as issued. Illustrated with many colour, b/w drawings. Illustrations by Jim Kay. The book is new. 242pp including List of illustrations. A collectable signed first edition. Heavy book (approx. 1.1 Kg). This is another paragraph Book Description: A Magical Year takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts. Jim Kay's incredible illustrations, paired with much loved quotations from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, bring to life all of the magic, beauty and wonder of the wizarding world. This is an irresistible gift book for anyone who has ever been captivated by the Boy Who Lived. Each day features a favourite anniversary or meaningful memory from the Harry Potter novels. All around, Jim Kay's scenic artwork and decorative painter's marks bring that moment to life in breathtaking detail. His unique interpretation is both captivating and transporting - picture frozen icicles glinting on the snowy towers of Hogwarts, the dancing eyes of Professor Albus Dumbledore, or the infectious hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. Inside, a selection of his most iconic illustrations are joined by previously unseen pencil sketches and preparatory pieces, offering a unique and fascinating insight into the artist's sketchbook. Jim Kay's dazzling depiction of the wizarding world has been enchanting readers since the publication of the groundbreaking Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2015. Now, as he continues to illustrate the stories, both lifelong fans and new readers can explore that world further. The Kate Greenaway Medal winner's bewitching character studies, sweeping landscapes and beautifully observed pencil details reveal the skill and process of an artist working at the peak of his powers. This is the perfect gift to give at birthdays and Christmas, to share at bedtime or to make a friend smile. A Magical Year brings together Harry, Ron, Hermione and a host of other beloved characters in a glorious illustrated compendium that readers everywhere will cherish for years to come. Signed by Illustrator.

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Jim Kay (illustrator). Mint condition. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2019. First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). Signed by the Illustrator on the edges of the title page. Large format blue hardback (gilt lettering to the spine) with protected Dj, both in mint condition. Illustrated with many colour, b/w drawings. Illustrations by Jim Kay. The book is new. 457pp. Price un-clipped. Signed first edition. Please note: This is very heavy book (approx. 2.2 Kg). This is another paragraph Book Description: An extraordinary creative achievement by two extraordinary talents, Jim Kay's inspired reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series has captured a devoted following worldwide. This stunning new fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire brings more breathtaking scenes and unforgettable characters to life - including Cedric Diggory, Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum. With paint, pencil and pixels, Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Fizzing with magic and brimming with humour, this full-colour edition will captivate fans and new readers alike as Harry, now in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, finds himself competing in the legendary Triwizard Tournament and facing death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards . First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition. Signed by Illustrator.

Hardcover. Condition: New. Emily Gravett (illustrator). Mint condition. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the illustrator on the edges of the half-title page. Large format pictorial hardback in mint condition, no Dj cover as issued. Illustrated with many colour, b/w drawings. Illustrations by Emily Gravett. The book is new. 144pp. Heavy book (approx. 1.3 Kg). This is another paragraph Book Description: Get ready to learn everything you need to know about the sport at the heart of Hogwarts! Quidditch Through the Ages is the essential companion to the Harry Potter series, a funny, fact-packed fantasy history of the seriously competitive wizarding sport. Bursting with glorious illustrations, magical memorabilia and two super-sized fold-outs, this spectacular new full-colour edition pairs J.K. Rowling's witty, inventive text with Emily Gravett's incredible artistic imagination. Devoured by Harry Potter in his first year, and consulted on a daily basis by the young witches and wizards at Hogwarts, Quidditch Through the Ages whisks readers on a whistle-stop tour through the game's hilarious (and often foul) history. There's magic and wonder in equal measure for both newcomers to the Wizarding World and established Harry Potter fans. Packed with trivia, tales of on-pitch antics, and Quidditch stars past and present - this is a great gift for the whole family. Quidditch Through the Ages is published in aid of Lumos, an international children's charity founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling, and Comic Relief. First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition. Signed by Illustrator.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. 1st UK edition thus 1st printing and one of the rarer signed illustrated versions signed byJim Kay directly to the title page without inscription. Book is fine. Dustjacket has no obvious flaws. Text block and corners clean and bright and appears unopened and unread Signed by the Illustrator sticker to front cover. Large and heavy book and will attract additional postage costs for overseas orders. Very nice collectable copy.Thanks for looking and please check out my other signed books on Abe. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. MinaLima (illustrator). 1st Edition. Mint condition. Bloomsbury, 2021. First UK edition-first printing of this MinaLima edition (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the Illustrator's on a bookplate affixed to the front endpaper page. Pictorial hardback in mint condition, no Dj cover as issued. Illustrated with many colour drawings. Illustrations by MinaLima . The book is new. 400pp including About the Author, about the illustrators. A collectable signed first edition. Heavy book (approx.1.2 Kg). This is another paragraph Book Description: Prepare to be dazzled by this new edition of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, designed and illustrated by MinaLima. With over 150 full-colour illustrations and eight exclusive, interactive paper-engineered elements, readers can travel via the Floo Network, encounter the Whomping Willow, reveal the spiral staircase to Dumbledore's office and even pull Mandrakes from their pots! This spectacular edition is the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans of all ages, a wonderful addition to any collector's bookshelf and an enchanting way to introduce this beloved series to a new generation of readers. First UK edition-first printing of this MinaLima edition. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Jim Kay and Neil Packer (illustrator). 1st Edition. Mint condition. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2022. First UK edition-first printing (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the illustrators Jim Kay and Neil Packer on the title page. Large format orange hardback (gilt lettering to the spine) with protected Dj, both in mint condition. Illustrated with many colour, b/w drawings. Illustrations by Jim Kay with Neil Packer. 566pp. Price un-clipped. The book is new. With the book it will be included: Publishers an exclusive Order of the Phoenix tote bag and a Harry Potter leather bookmark. A collectable signed first edition. Please note: This is very heavy book (approx. 2.8 Kg.), and for international orders an additional shipping cost will be required. This is another paragraph Book Description: Discover the fifth instalment of J.K. Rowling's magical classic, evoked in glorious full-colour by Jim Kay, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, and acclaimed guest artist Neil Packer. With more than 160 illustrations! As the Order of the Phoenix keeps watch over Harry Potter, troubled times have come to Hogwarts in a year filled with secrets, subterfuge and suspicion. The deliciously dark fifth instalment of Jim Kay's inspired reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series is an epic artistic achievement, featuring over 160 illustrations in an astonishing range of visual styles. Now an exciting new collaboration brings together two virtuoso artistic talents, as Kate Greenaway Medal winner Jim Kay is joined by acclaimed guest illustrator Neil Packer, winner of the 2021 BolognaRagazzi Award for non-fiction. Prepare to be enchanted once again as Jim Kay depicts J.K. Rowling's wizarding world with the dazzling artistic alchemy fans around the globe have come to know and love, perfectly complemented by Neil Packer's own unique and eclectic illustrations, skilfully woven into the heart of the story. This is a stunning visual feast of a book, filled with dark magical delights for both fans and new readers alike. Breathtaking scenes, iconic locations and unforgettable characters await inside Luna Lovegood, Professor Umbridge, Grawp the giant, and many more as Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Army prepare for the coming battle against Lord Voldemort. Perfect for Potterheads of all ages! Picture the Magic Fully illustrated. Completely spellbinding. Inscribed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. MinaLima (illustrator). 1st Edition. Fine condition. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. First UK edition-3rd printing of this MinaLima Edition (3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4). The book is Signed by the Illustrator's on a bookplate affixed to the front endpaper page. Pictorial hardback (small dent on the edges of the front cover) in fine condition, no Dj cover as issued. Illustrated with many colour drawings. Illustrations by MinaLima . The book is new. 358pp including About the Author, about the illustrators. A collectable signed book. Heavy book (approx.1.2 Kg). This is another paragraph Book Description: An irresistible new edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone created with ultra-talented designers MinaLima, the design magicians behind the gorgeous visual graphic style of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. J.K. Rowling's complete and unabridged text is accompanied by MinaLima's handsome colour illustrations on nearly every page, superb design, and eight exclusive interactive paper-engineered elements - including Harry's Hogwarts letter, the magical entrance to Diagon Alley, a sumptuous feast in the Great Hall of Hogwarts and more. Designed and illustrated by the iconic house of MinaLima - best known for establishing the graphic design of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films - this is the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans and a beautiful addition to any collector's bookshelf, enticing readers of all ages to discover the Harry Potter novels all over again. First UK edition-3rd printing of this MinaLima Edition. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. MinaLima (illustrator). 1st Edition. Mint condition. Bloomsbury, 2023. First UK edition-first printing of this MinaLima edition (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the Illustrator's Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima on a bookplate affixed to the front endpaper page. Pictorial hardback in mint condition, no Dj cover as issued. Illustrated with many colour drawings. Illustrations by MinaLima . The book is new. 472pp including About the Author, about the illustrators. A collectable signed first edition. Heavy book (approx.1.4 Kg). First UK edition-first printing of this MinaLima edition. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hard Cover. First Illustrated Edition, first printing, with complete number line. Square quarto, pp., [8], 245, [3]. Colour illustrations by Jim Kay throughout, many full-page. Publishers' scarlet cloth with metallic blue titles to spine, ribbon place-marker and pictorial end-papers, in an unclipped pictorial dust-jacket. With an inscription by the illustrator to the title-page. A near fine copy. The first ever illustrated edition of the first title in the classic Harry Potter series, with artwork by Jim Kay, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. Heavyweight, so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Jim Kay (illustrator). 1st Edition, Illustrated Edition. First illustrated edition, first impression. Signed by the illustrator to half-title. Quarto. Original red boards, titles to spine gilt, illustrated endpapers. With the illustrated dust jacket designed by Jim Kay, depicting the Hogwarts Express. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket. One inconspicuous ding to top edge of lower board. The book is otherwise bright and clean throughout, with sharp corners and no inscriptions. Published to great acclaim in October 2015. Jim Kay's rich, atmospheric artwork reimagines J.K. Rowling's world in stunning detail, marking the beginning of Bloomsbury's series of fully illustrated Harry Potter volumes. An attractive and desirable signed example of the first illustrated edition of the book that introduced the modern classic series. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. A fine UK first edition & first printing hardback - in a fine unclipped dustjacket - My books are always securely packed with plenty of bubblewrap in professional boxes and promptly dispatched (within 2-3 days) - SIGNED & PUBLICATION DATED BY THE ILLUSTRATOR - Pictures available upon request - THIS IS A HEAVY BOOK AND EXTRA POSTAGE WILL BE REQUIRED. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. London: Bloomsbury Children s Books, 2019. First Edition. 451pp. SIGNED by the Illustrator. Jim Kay's gorgeous full-colour illustrations in this stunning collector's edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. An extraordinary creative achievement of a reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series. This beautiful, deluxe edition features an opulent page size and intricate foiled line art by Jim Kay on the real cloth cover and slipcase; gilt edges on premium grade paper; head and tail bands and two ribbon markers. Signed by Author.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Thomas Taylor (illustrator). 1st Edition. A fine UK 25th Anniversary edition hardback, first printing thus (llight edgewear) - All my books are always securely packed with plenty of bubblewrap in professional boxes and promptly dispatched (within 2-3 days) - SIGNED, DATED & DOODLED BY THOMAS TAYLOR - Pictures of the book are available upon request. Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Kay, Jim (illustrator). 1st Edition. First UK edition thus. Illustrated edition. Only "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is a first printing. The other 3 books are later printings (see photos). All books are in fine condition without any significant bumps at the spine. Book corners are sharp. Unclipped dust jackets are fine and protected in Brodart covers. Books are unread, unmarked, and signed by the illustrator on the title page (not tipped-in). Signed by Illustrator(s).

Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. Jim Kay (illustrator). Mint condition.Bloomsbury,2017.First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2). The book is Signed by the Illustrator on the edges of the title page. Large format purple hardback(gilt lettering to the spine) with Dj cover, both in mint condition.Illustrated with many colour drawings.Illustrations by Jim Kay.The book is new.326pp.Price un-clipped.A collectable illustrated signed first edition.Please note: This is heavy book(approx. 2.1 Kg). This is another paragraph Book description: An extraordinary creative achievement by an extraordinary talent, Jim Kay's inspired reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series has captured a devoted following worldwide. This stunning new fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban brings more breathtaking scenes and unforgettable characters - including Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Professor Trelawney. With paint, pencil and pixels, Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Fizzing with magic and brimming with humour, this full-colour edition will captivate fans and new readers alike as Harry, now in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, faces Dementors, death omens and - of course - danger. First UK edition-first printing of this illustrated edition. Signed by Illustrator.

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First illustrated edition, first impression (Bloomsbury, 2016). Illustrated by Jim Kay and signed and inscribed by him to the title page: 'For Martin, Thank you for coming along! Best Wishes, Jim Kay'. The first ever illustrated edition. Rare inscribed. Original red cloth with lettering to spine in gilt, pictorial endpapers and paste-downs with a red ribbon marker. A fine book with a very minor and inconspicuous knock to spine in a fine dust jacket. Signed by Illustrator(s).

First edition, first printing of the rarest book in the Harry Potter series, a cornerstone of young adult literature, and one of the best-selling books of all time. First printing with "First published in Great Britain in 1997", the full number line "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1", "Joanne Rowling" for "J.K. Rowling", and "Thomas Taylor1997" (lacking the space) on the copyright page and "1 wand" listed twice (as the first item and last item) on the "Other Equipment" list on page 53. Octavo, original laminated pictorial boards, without a dust jacket as issued. Presentation copy, inscribed by the J.K. Rowling on the dedication page and additionally signed with a large drawing by Thomas Taylor on the dedication page and additionally with a full page drawing of the cover illustration to the front free endpaper. At the time of the bookâs publication in 1997, illustrator Thomas Taylor had just graduated from art school and was working at Heffers Childrenâs Bookshop in Cambridge. At Heffers, Taylor educated himself on the childrenâs book market and its major publishers and decided to submit a portfolio of his illustrations to the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, including several drawings of dragons and wizards. Taylor heard back from Bloomsburyâs editor, Barry Cunningham (who had recently decided to take a chance on publishing Harry Potter and the Philosopherâs Stone after it had been rejected by twelve other publishers) almost immediately. Cunningham phoned him at Heffers and asked if he could create a design for the cover of a relatively unknown authorâs first book about a schoolboy wizard. He sent Taylor an incomplete manuscript of the book and, after two days, Taylor had a final product: a watercolor painting of a young Harry Potter with his lightning-bolt scar standing next to the Hogwarts Express on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Only 500 copies of the first printing were published, 300 of which were distributed directly to libraries. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by the Harcourt Bindery. A unique example. The first novel in the Harry Potter series and Rowling's debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book was first published in the United Kingdom on June 26, 1997 by Bloomsbury and in the United States the following year by Scholastic Corporation under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The book reached the top of the New York Times list of best-selling fiction in August 1999 and stayed near the top of that list for much of 1999 and 2000. It has sold in excess of 120 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. The majority of reviews of the popular book were favorable, revering Rowling's imagination, humor, simple, direct style and clever plot construction. Rowling's style has been compared to that of Jane Austen (her favorite author), Roald Dahl (whose works dominated children's stories before the appearance of Harry Potter), and even the Ancient Greek story-teller Homer. The first book in the series was followed by six sequels published on an annual basis between 1997 and 2000. The series has sold more that 500 million copies worldwide and has been âtranslated into 80 languages, âmaking it the best-selling book series in history and among history's most translated literary works.â The last four books in the series consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books of all time, where the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sold roughly fifteen million copies worldwide within twenty-four hours of its release. With twelve million books printed in the first U.S. run, it also holds the record for the highest initial print run for any book in history. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was adapted into the 2001 fantasy film of the same name directed by Chris Columbus, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. Warner Bros. bought the film rights to the book in 1999 for a reported £1 million ($1.65 million) and the film was released in November 2001 in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada and Taiwan. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing $974 million at the box office worldwide during its initial run, and over $1 billion with subsequent re-releases. It became the highest-grossing film of 2001 and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It was followed by seven sequels beginning with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002 and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows â" Part 2 in 2011, nearly ten years after the first film's release.