Harry Potter is a series of seven (Heptalogy) fantasy novel (Fantasy literature)s written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard (Magician (fantasy)) Harry Potter (Harry Potter (character)) and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Hogwarts). The main story arc concerns Harrys quandary involving the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harrys parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world (Harry Potter universe) and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles).

Since the June 30, 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in the United States, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone, and the later books, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, may be less suitable for younger children. As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age, it has many cultural meanings and references. According to Rowling, the main theme is death, which has led to much criticism, as it is primarily considered to be a work of Childrens literature. There are also many other themes in the series, such as love and prejudice.

English-language versions of the books are published by Bloomsbury (Bloomsbury Publishing) in the United Kingdom, Scholastic Press (Scholastic Corporation) in the United States, Allen & Unwin in Australia, and Raincoast Books in Canada. Through 2010, the first six books have been made into films (Harry Potter (film series)) by Warner Brothers (Warner Bros.), which is the highest grossing film series (List of highest-grossing films#Highest-grossing film series) of all time so far. The seventh book is being made into two movies which are currently scheduled to be released nearly eight months apart: Part I in November 2010 and the series finale in July 2011. The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth �15 billion. TOC limitlimit=3