Harry, A History
| Company type | Fan website |
|---|---|
| Industry | Online fandom community |
| Founder | Melissa Anelli |
Area served | Harry Potter fans worldwide |
Key people | Melissa Anelli (webmaster) |
| Products | Harry Potter news, fan content |
Harry, A History: The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon is a factual account authored by Melissa Anelli, the webmaster behind the Harry Potter fan website The Leaky Cauldron. Released on November 4, 2008, with a foreword penned by J.K. Rowling, the book traces the evolution of the Harry Potter franchise and its widespread cultural influence. It explores the series' publication journey, the expansion of its online fanbase, and the extensive phenomenon that developed around it. Anelli provides an insider’s perspective on pivotal moments that shaped the fandom at its height.
Content Overview
Drawing from Anelli's role managing The Leaky Cauldron, Harry, A History offers an in-depth look at the Harry Potter phenomenon. It addresses the cultural importance of the series, the growth of its fan communities, and significant publishing milestones. Insights from Rowling’s editors, agents, publicists, and supporters add depth to the story. Anelli describes her involvement in efforts to prevent leaks for Scholastic, hosting live PotterCasts, and conducting interviews with Rowling herself. The narrative also evaluates Harry Potter's enduring impact on reading culture and mainstream media.
Chapters
The book is structured into chapters that focus on various aspects of the Harry Potter franchise and its fandom:
- Foreword: J.K. Rowling shares reflections on her life and expresses gratitude toward The Leaky Cauldron.
- The Beginning and the End: Details the launch of the series and its conclusion.
- Near Misses: Discusses obstacles encountered during publication and marketing phases.
- Public Assistance: Highlights how fans contributed to the series’ success.
- Spinning the Web: Chronicles the expansion of the online Harry Potter community.
- Rocking at Hogwarts: Examines the emergence of Wizard Rock musical groups.
- Work Life: Profiles key professionals involved with Harry Potter.
- Getting a Clue: Investigates mysteries embedded within the books.
- Banned and Burned: Reviews controversies and censorship challenges faced by the series.
- High Seas: Addresses issues related to piracy and unauthorized distribution.
- Access: Describes how media and fans gained access to content.
- The Interview: Presents Anelli’s conversation with Rowling.
- Independence: Explores the self-governing nature of the fandom.
- On the (Internet) Radio: Looks at internet radio’s contribution to fan interaction.
- Spoiled: Covers how spoilers affected readers’ experiences.
- One Day More: Reflects on anticipation leading up to the final book release.
- Deathly Hallows: Discusses the launch and reception of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
- Epilogue: Provides final thoughts on the phenomenon.
- Acknowledgments, Notes, Bibliography: Lists credits and sources.
Enhanced E-Book
An updated e-book edition of Harry, A History was published on July 5, 2011, incorporating a new section titled "Four Years Later." In this addition, Melissa Anelli reviews significant developments within the Harry Potter fandom since the initial release, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opening, LeakyCon gatherings, formation of the International Quidditch Association, activities of the Harry Potter Alliance, legal proceedings involving The Harry Potter Lexicon, and StarKid’s production of A Very Potter Musical. This edition also features an extensive interview with J.K. Rowling reflecting on her experiences during the creation and publication of the series. Enhanced multimedia elements enrich this version with footage from the 2007 PotterCast/Harry and the Potters tour, clips from Muggle Quidditch events, and an exclusive preview trailer for A Very Potter Sequel.