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Editions of Harry Potter
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From: Karen L. Simonetti <klsimonetti>
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 1999 09:43:57 -0500
At 08:33 AM 6/2/99 -0500, Megan wrote:
Harriet Mayer's comment reminded me that the British title of the book (both for children and adults is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The title was changed for the American edition to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
First, a brief disclaimer: I love the Harry Potter books! I'm very excited at about books that families can really share. Now, on to the substance (I hope) of my post!
I've been thinking about the different cover art and title change to the first of the Harry Potter books. And yes, I am all too aware of cover art and titles influencing readers/purchasers (both young and old). However, in this instance, I really do not think that either the title or cover art makes too much difference in the book's
mass appeal (for lack of another term).
Of course, I'm assuming that even those patrons who don't get snagged at various online booksellers will come to the library and (if they are lucky to find it) pick up the book; which from word one, sentence one, paragraph one captures the reader. In short, I think both books work/sell themselves based upon content. (Although, I do think the American title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is dummied down compared to the British title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. )
So, in 100 words or less (not really, of course : ): Do you all really think the titles and cover art make that much difference? I guess my underlining questions are: How did this series get to be such a great marketing feat? Which came first? The books or the marketing blitz? And does it make a difference?
Karen Sue...who will submit her own theories once I get a hold of my copies of the books...
...some 60-something Mother who never reads this stuff has escaped with my copies of both books...
...sometimes you have to be a hero just to get out of bed in the morning...
-Lloyd Alexander-
Karen L. Simonetti
email: klsimonetti at earthlink.net
phone: 312.337.7114
Received on Wed 02 Jun 1999 09:43:57 AM CDT
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 1999 09:43:57 -0500
At 08:33 AM 6/2/99 -0500, Megan wrote:
Harriet Mayer's comment reminded me that the British title of the book (both for children and adults is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The title was changed for the American edition to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
First, a brief disclaimer: I love the Harry Potter books! I'm very excited at about books that families can really share. Now, on to the substance (I hope) of my post!
I've been thinking about the different cover art and title change to the first of the Harry Potter books. And yes, I am all too aware of cover art and titles influencing readers/purchasers (both young and old). However, in this instance, I really do not think that either the title or cover art makes too much difference in the book's
mass appeal (for lack of another term).
Of course, I'm assuming that even those patrons who don't get snagged at various online booksellers will come to the library and (if they are lucky to find it) pick up the book; which from word one, sentence one, paragraph one captures the reader. In short, I think both books work/sell themselves based upon content. (Although, I do think the American title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is dummied down compared to the British title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. )
So, in 100 words or less (not really, of course : ): Do you all really think the titles and cover art make that much difference? I guess my underlining questions are: How did this series get to be such a great marketing feat? Which came first? The books or the marketing blitz? And does it make a difference?
Karen Sue...who will submit her own theories once I get a hold of my copies of the books...
...some 60-something Mother who never reads this stuff has escaped with my copies of both books...
...sometimes you have to be a hero just to get out of bed in the morning...
-Lloyd Alexander-
Karen L. Simonetti
email: klsimonetti at earthlink.net
phone: 312.337.7114
Received on Wed 02 Jun 1999 09:43:57 AM CDT
