‘Philosopher’s Stone’ ranks among top 50 key moments in English literature

Forget franchising potential or the number of weeks on bestseller lists, in a recent rank by The Guardian, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was named as one of “English literature's 50 key moments”.

This chronological list, described as “not merely a book list, but an attempt to identify some of the hinge moments in our literature” placed the series’ first novel at #50 (1997), while The death of Christopher Marlowe took its place as #1 (1593).

Among the written works listed were William Shakespeare: The Sonnets (#2), The King James Bible (#3), and Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species (#29). Also included were the first commercially successful typewriter (#34), and the launch of Amazon.com (#49).

What are your thoughts on this list considering the scope of all works and events listed? Are there any you would add or change?

Bloomsbury celebrates 15th Anniversary of 'Philosopher's Stone' with a contest for UK fans

In celebration of Bloomsbury's release of the first ever book by author J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the ultimate Harry Potter competition begins for fans in the UK and Ireland!

From Bloomsbury website:

ARE YOU THE BIGGEST HARRY POTTER FAN?

ENTER THE SEARCH TO FIND OUT!

To enter write in no more than 50 words why you love HARRY POTTER, and post your letter in the special postbox provided in your local bookshop or library.

We are looking for the most creative, clever and entertaining reasons and, while the word limit it set to a strict 50 words, please do draw, doodle or illustrate your letters if you wish. Entry is only available through participating bookshops and libraries. Over 1,800 venues are taking part, and to find out whether there is one in your area please take a look at the map and list below. The competition is open to all ages.

As part of your entry, please remember to include your name and date of birth, parent or guardian’s name (where relevant), contact address, email address and phone number. This information will not be counted as part of the 50 word limit.

Simply write your entry on a piece of paper or print off the downloadable competition entry form available on this page. Please note it is not compulsory to use the form.

The competition will run from Tuesday 26th June until Tuesday 31st July 2012, after which we will name the UK and Ireland’s biggest HARRY POTTER fan. The winner and runners-up will be announced on Saturday 1st September.

The winner will receive a family holiday to experience the magic and excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ only at Universal Orlando Resort and a leather-bound, signed, dedicated and numbered 15th Anniversary Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Fourteen lucky runners-up will each receive a leather-bound, signed, dedicated and numbered 15th Anniversary Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The search to find the UK and Ireland’s biggest HARRY POTTER fan celebrates the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. J. K. Rowling’s first book in the HARRY POTTER series was released on 26th June 1997 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

GOOD LUCK!

Congratulations to J.K. Rowling on her first Harry Potter novel release 15 years ago today!

MuggleNet Exclusive Report: Details of the 'Philosopher's Stone' original manuscript at the British Library

As we reported yesterday, the original manuscript from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone would be shown to the public as part of a special exhibition on English Literature at the British Library, which is located in close proximity to King's Cross Station.

MuggleNet's longtime fan, Irvin K. from the New York Harry Potter group TGTSNBN (The Group That Shall Not Be Named), happened to be visiting London this week, and decided to visit the library for this once in a lifetime opportunity: The chance to see up close and in person, the very beginning of Harry Potter.

Thanks to Irvin, we have a full report as well as some incredible images of the manuscript pages for you to view. Just head over to this exclusive section, right here and ENJOY! Be sure to click on each of the images in the report to see them in their full size glory.

This special original manuscript that started the Harry Potter phenomenon will share a space at the exhibit alongside The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, a drawing by J.R.R. Tolkien for The Hobbit, and a copy of the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which dates back to the 15th century.

The Writing Britain Wastelands to Wonderlands exhibit will be on display until September 25.

First manuscript of 'Philosopher's Stone' to be on display at the British Library

The original manuscript from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will be shown to the public tomorrow, May 11, as part of a special exhibition on English Literature at the British Library, which is located in close proximity to King's Cross Station.

This special original manuscript that started the Harry Potter phenomenon will share a space at the exhibit alongside The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, a drawing by J.R.R. Tolkien for The Hobbit, and a copy of the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Horse, which dates back to the 15th century.

The "Writing Britain Wastelands to Wonderlands” exhibit will run until September 25 at the British Library, showing over 150 literary works and also touching upon the influences of British landscapes on literature through sound recordings, letters, photographs, maps, poems, song lyrics and drawings - as well as manuscripts and printed editions.

If you are able to attend this event, please send us a report and any photos that you are able to acquire.

Quibble of the Week: 'Philosophers and Sorcerers: Was it really a prudent move to change the name?'

Our next Quibble of the Week comes from Buckbeak, who finds one small feature of the Potter series to be "infuriating": the title change from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The infamous name change argument is one that has been brought up many times, from U.K. and U.S. readers alike. Many have wondered what the reasons were for the name change and whether or not these were truly legitimate.

Buckbeak's essay certainly provides a sound case in favor of the book's original title. Do you agree that it should have been left as it was?

To read more exciting quibbles, or to learn how you can submit one of your own, head over to the MuggleNet Essay Section.

Sotheby's auctioning off rare first edition 'Philosopher's Stone'

In what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can get yourself a copy of a very rare, deluxe first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone...but for a premium.

The book, which is being offered by Sotheby's at the auction house's English Literature, History Private Press, Children’s Books & Illustrations sale on December 15th, is not only signed by J.K. Rowling herself, but includes 10 commissioned illustrations by the original artist of the series, Thomas Taylor.

The sale, which has many rare and diverse manuscripts will be a thrilling one for sure. When speaking of the unique Harry Potter book on the auction block, Peter Selley, Sotheby's Senior Director and Senior Specialist in the Books and Manuscripts Department said this:

"Another imaginary realm which has captivated millions of readers is that of J.K. Rowling, and the sale features perhaps the ultimate bespoke Harry Potter novel. The unique copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone includes 10 wonderfully fresh illustrations, offered with the original watercolours, by Thomas Taylor, who created the first ever depiction of the young wizard.”

The book is expected to go for 30,000 - 50,000 pounds (approximately $47,000 - $78,000). You can read full details on the auction here.

Thanks to Magical-Menagerie.com for the tip!