| Harry, A History | |
| Author: | Melissa Anelli |
| Country: | United States |
| Language: | English |
| Genre: | Non-fiction |
| Publisher: | |
| Release Date: | November 4, 2008 |
| Media Type: | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages: | 368 (US) |
Harry, A History: The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon is a non-fiction book authored by Melissa Anelli, the webmistress of the popular Harry Potter fansite, The Leaky Cauldron. The book, which includes a foreword by J.K. Rowling, was published on November 4, 2008. It chronicles the rise of the Harry Potter series and its impact on popular culture, detailing the publication history, the development of the online fan community, and the broader cultural phenomenon surrounding the series. Anelli, having been deeply involved in the Harry Potter fandom, provides an insider's perspective on the events and experiences that shaped the community during the height of the series' popularity.[1] [2]
"Harry, A History" provides a comprehensive look at the Harry Potter phenomenon from the perspective of Melissa Anelli, the webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron. The book covers various aspects of the Harry Potter series' impact on popular culture, including the development of the online fan community, the publication history, and the broader cultural significance of the series. It includes remembrances from key figures such as J.K. Rowling's editors, agents, and publicists, as well as fans and Rowling herself. The narrative is interspersed with Anelli's personal experiences, such as helping Scholastic stop leaks, hosting live PotterCasts, and interviewing J.K. Rowling. The book also explores the lasting impact of the Harry Potter series on the way books are read and the sense of wonder it restored in its readers.
The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the Harry Potter phenomenon. The chapters include:
On July 5, 2011, an updated and enhanced e-book version of "Harry, A History" was released. This edition includes a new section titled "Four Years Later," where Melissa Anelli discusses significant events in the Harry Potter fandom that occurred after the original publication of the book. These events include the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, various conferences such as LeakyCon, the activities of the International Quidditch Association, the work of the Harry Potter Alliance, The Harry Potter Lexicon trial, and the production of StarKid's "A Very Potter Musical." Additionally, the enhanced e-book features the transcript of Anelli's extensive interview with J.K. Rowling, where Rowling reflects on her life during the years she was writing and publishing the Harry Potter series. The e-book also includes multimedia elements such as scenes from the PotterCast/Harry and the Potters 2007 tour, clips of Muggle Quidditch, and an exclusive trailer for "A Very Potter Sequel."