J.K. Rowling
Joanne Rowling (born 31 July 1965) is an English writer and one of the most popular authors in the world.
Her books appear under the name "J.K. Rowling" because her publisher, Bloomsbury, felt that initials would be more likely to appeal to a male readership than a female name. (The K stands for "Kathleen", her grandmother's name, as Rowling has no middle name.) This is an effect of sexism in publishing.
Rowling's Harry Potter series is a world-wide best-seller, which has been translated in dozens of languages, adapted into audiobooks and blockbuster movies, turned into a profitable merchandising franchise, and has inspired millions of fan fiction stories.
Bibliography
Novels
- Harry Potter series
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
- (seventh book, title as yet unknown) (forthcoming)
Booklets
Non-profit Harry Potter tie-in books whose proceeds went to a charitable organisation:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001) as "Newt Scamander" (fictional character)
- Quidditch Through the Ages (2001), as "Kennilworthy Whisp" (fictional character)