As of February 2023, the books have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, making them the best-selling book series in history, and have been available in 85 languages. They have attracted a wide adult audience as well as younger readers and are widely considered cornerstones of modern literature. Since the release of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, on 26 June 1997, the books have found immense popularity, positive reviews, and commercial success worldwide. Other major themes in the series include prejudice, corruption, and madness. According to Rowling, the main theme is death.

A series of many genres, including fantasy, drama, coming-of-age fiction, and the British school story (which includes elements of mystery, thriller, adventure, horror, and romance), the world of Harry Potter explores numerous themes and includes many cultural meanings and references. All versions around the world are printed by Grafica Veneta in Italy. The series was originally published in English by Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom and Scholastic Press in the United States.

The main story arc concerns Harry's conflict with Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people). The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J.

Harry potter paperback book collection