Abstract of Paper to be Presented at Accio 2005

Harry Potter - all things to all people?

Gill James

This paper will discuss the universal appeal of both the Harry Potter character and the Harry Potter stories. This will be a half hour paper, followed by a half hour discussion, in which the audience will be asked to share their views on why the Harry Potter books have been so successful in so many different settings.

The paper will discuss:

• How J K Rowling has attracted male readers at a time when they traditionally give up reading fiction.
• How the readers have different perceptions of what type of book they are - fantasy, adventure, boarding-school books, black arts, religion, philosophy, real life stories, - this section will be based on research as part of a OU course in 2000. How the adult reader has come to the books (based on sem-structured interviews of adults who have enjoyed the books. 2003-2005)
• How the Harry Potter phenomenon has increased reading of fantasy fiction in general - a report on discussions with the commercial sides of publishing - book sellers, agents, editors (based on semi-structured interviews with publishing professionals 2003-2005)
• How successful JK Rowling has been in inventing a character who grows up with his readers.

  It is actually difficult to give a precise profile to a Harry Pottter reader. Harry Potter has come to represent all things to all people.