Fifteen years ago, the first Harry Potter book hit the shelves of shops across the country. No one could predict what would happen next.
The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on 30 June 1997 was the start of what was to become the best-selling book series in history, followed by the most successful film franchise of all time.
The fantasy coming-of-age story of one young wizard and his two faithful friends, flame-haired Ron Weasley and studious Hermione Granager, and their adventures at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry captivated children and adults across the world. The series has now been translated into 67 languages,and the last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint when they first started acting in the Harry Potter films
The film adaptations saw Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, barely 11 years old at the time, catapulted into superstardom as the faces of the Harry Potter saga. They have become some of the richest young people in the UK. Radcliffe is worth an estimated £54m, with Grint and Watson enjoying an estimated £24m and £26m respectively.
PHOTOS: The Harry Potter cast through the years...
