Joanne Rowling was born on 31 July 1965. She is better known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, and she is the author of the seven-volume children’s fantasy series, Harry Potter, published from 1997 to 2007.
The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies, been translated into at least 70 languages, and has produced a global media franchise including films and video games. The Casual Vacancy (2012) was her first novel for adults, and she also writes as Robert Galbraith.
The idea for the characters of Harry Potter came to her in 1990 while she waited for a delayed train. She wrote while living on state assistance as a single parent, deeply affected by her mother’s death. By 2008, Forbes had named her the world’s highest-paid author.
The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry’s struggle against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the Ministry of Magic and conquer all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).
The seven Harry Potter books, which begin with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and conclude with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sparked great enthusiasm among children and were credited with generating a new interest in reading.
Rowling has received many honours and awards for her work. Harry Potter brought her wealth and recognition that she has used to advance philanthropic endeavours and political causes.
In an interview, Rowling has been quoted as saying that Jane Austen is her “favourite author of all time”. That statement alone endears her to me.
