Potter-mania prevails as second batch sells out

Two weeks after taking the world by storm, there still seems to be little chance of taking Harry Potter home.

The second consignment of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix delivered to bookshops yesterday was snapped up even before the books landed on bookshelves.

Bookshops contacted yesterday said the latest Harry Potter treat is lined up to become one of the best-sellers of all time.

The world's favourite boy wizard, penned by J.K. Rowling, has turned into a global publishing phenomenon. The first four Harry Potter books have sold almost 200 million copies with the latest offering set to become the most profitable yet.

Hundreds of Harry Potter fans had to pre-book a copy as a shoppers stampede took place when it was released on June 21.

Sapienzas Bookshop manager Kristina Chetcuti said that over 150 books were snapped up in the second consignment alone.

The book has been selling like hot cakes to the extent that it is now the only fiction book gracing Sapienzas' Top 10 books for the year. Surprisingly, or perhaps a reflection of society, practically all the other nine books in the top 10 are Maltese coffee table books.

In an attempt to provide an alternative to Potter, and in the process to fill in the vacuum because of the overwhelming demand, Sapienzas is handing out a brochure to customers suggesting similarly themed books.

"We are trying to prove to people that there is life beyond Harry Potter," Ms Chetcuti said.

On a positive note, Ms Chetcuti said it was encouraging to note the way Ms Rowling's books have inspired children to start reading.

Chaucer's Books and Stationery co-owner Gennaro Camilleri said he had pre-ordered about 100 copies of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which had already by far become the year's best-selling hardback.

"We are literally placing new orders every day. It's a disappointment that the supply can't keep up with demand because we are ultimately losing sales and disappointing customers in the process," Mr Camilleri said.

Several readers said they were incensed by the fact that despite the publicity material affixed to bookshops' windows, shop after shop, stand after stand, the only Harry Potter books available on sale were the first four.

Joanna Sammut, manager at Agenda Bookshop, said she had pre-ordered some 70 copies and already has another 40 booked for the third consignment.

"We never expected this kind of reaction, especially for a hardback. Normally, people wait for the paperback," she said.

The hardback copy is selling for Lm9.50, with the paperback, which is normally out about a year later, selling for roughly half the price.