France honors Harry Potter author JK Rowling

By Alexandra Heilbron on February 4, 2009 | 7 Comments

France paid homage to Harry Potter author JK Rowling yesterday by inducting her into the Legion of Honour. French President Nicolas Sarkozy bestowed Rowling with the honorary title of “knight” in the Légion d’honneur during a ceremony at the Elysée Palace. Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in the 19th century, the Légion d’honneur is France’s elite national merit society. Rowling has published seven books in her Harry Potter series and currently is on the best seller list with her newest title, The Tales of Beadle the Bard. Rowling’s books have sold more than 400 million copies since the first one was published in 1997 and have been translated into 67 languages, including French. The latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is set for release July 17th.

1. ke • February 4, 2009 @ 12:22 PM

   What? Yahoo!!

2. Jo-Anne • February 4, 2009 @ 12:43 PM

   Good for Rowling! Amazing author and I can’t wait for the next Harry Potter movie!

   what a huge accomplishment, 400 million copies sold…

3. sk8tergirl • February 4, 2009 @ 6:09 PM

   Way to go, Jo!

4. Honest Phil • February 4, 2009 @ 8:44 PM

   I can’t believe there honoring the writer of harold potter

5. Nancy • February 4, 2009 @ 8:59 PM

   hahaha…we haven’t been graced with your presence in a while, Honest Phil.

6. ricky • February 4, 2009 @ 11:24 PM

   i rely didnt reed this book but i agree with yahoo

7. Mary • February 6, 2009 @ 3:33 PM

   We need more writers like Rowling. Just getting millions to read her book was phenominal. Yes I read every Harry Potter book and have seen all the movies. Looking forward to the next one. She deserves this.