Go to Global Gala We Are Lumos.org for all the details of the virtual gathering to take place on Saturday, 2 October 2021. Or just read Nick Jeffrey’s post on the subject: Lumos Foundation — 2021 Virtual Gala.

To review what Nick said, Alec Baldwin will be the host with special guests Noma Dumezweni, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Evanna Lynch, Peter Bence and Bonnie Wright, all sharing “Unforgettable Stories About Bringing Children Home,” which is to say, liberating them from orphanages and institutional care. Special events include The Presence reading from Tales of Beedle the Bard (let it it be ‘The Warlock’s Hairy Heart’!) and an award given in memory of Scholastic’s Richard Robinson that celebrates “Young Self-Advocates” who are “raising their voices to change the world.”

The website reveals the show’s sponsors, with four different levels of investment in the cause (no surprise, Warner Brothers and Scholastic are the biggest players), as well as the costs of ‘sitting’ at virtual tables set for these Lumos supporters. Tickets begin at $150,000 for ‘Title Sponsors’ who I suppose are given tables up front or places on the dais (I’m confused about how that works for what is in essence a Zoom chat?). The lowest price for a single online seat is $500 or £375. All for a good cause! (See correction in comments: seats can be had for as little as $25.) [Read more…]

 

I don’t know when exactly TheRowlingLibrary.com (TRL) came into existence, but I know that I wonder how Rowling’s serious readers lived before it did. I know that few people in the third generation of Potter Punditry have helped and challenged the first and second generation holdovers and the contemporary scene of scholars and fandom as has TRL editor Patricio Tarantino.  His online magazine and website are invaluable resources and delightful collections of ideas and information.

And now TRL is publishing books! Their first is Secret History of the Wizarding Phenomenon by Patricio Tarantino himself. We will be publishing reviews here as soon as our copies arrive; you can order yours on Amazon today. So get to it!

Here is what Secret History is all about:

Based on original research and exclusive interviews, this book tells the story of how the Harry Potter books, movies, theme parks, fandom and more were created. Including the creative processes, the marketing aspect, and the legal issues that arose, this publication aims to be a behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter phenomenon.

With the testimony of editors, artists, publicists, and producers, Secret History of the Wizarding Phenomenon features rare facts and oddities from the publication of the books and the making of the films that changed and connected the lives of millions.

For those who grew up with Harry Potter, this book will spark memories of the early days. For those who are just discovering the franchise, this book will take you on a journey to understand the widespread popularity of the boy wizard.

From an idea on a train to one of the biggest franchises in the world, this is the tale of how J.K. Rowling, alongside publishing houses, production companies and creative teams, made Harry Potter the phenomenon that it is today.

 

From our friends at The RowlingLibrary.com, here is an archived 1999 interview with The Presence that includes a reading from Philosopher’s Stone. Enjoy!