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Harry Potter Full of Gibberish, Judge Says

He admits he got confused reading it to his grandkids

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Apr 17, 2008 7:59 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The judge in the Harry Potter copyright case gave the man who compiled The Harry Potter Lexicon a one-up against JK Rowling today when he announced that her books were full of gibberish, the Telegraph reports. He said he tried reading one to his grandkids and found it "extremely complex" and suggested that a guidebook would be handy. He won't issue his ruling for several weeks and urged both sides to settle out of court.

The guidebook's publisher maintains that it's no different than a regular reference guide, but Rowling, her voice rising, said that a ruling in their favor will open "the floodgates" to Potter piracy and set a dangerous precedent. She said she planned to write her own reference soon.

Author J.K. Rowling exits Manhattan federal court, Monday, April 14, 2008, in New York after testifying on the first day of her trial.
Author J.K. Rowling exits Manhattan federal court, Monday, April 14, 2008, in New York after testifying on the first day of her trial.   (Associated Press)
Author J.K. Rowling exits Manhattan federal court in this April 14, 2008, file photo in New York after testifying.
Author J.K. Rowling exits Manhattan federal court in this April 14, 2008, file photo in New York after testifying.   (Associated Press)
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling arrives at Manhattan federal court, Monday, April 14, 2008, in New York.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling arrives at Manhattan federal court, Monday, April 14, 2008, in New York.   (Associated Press)
British author J.K. Rowling poses for a photo at the release of her latest Harry Potter book titled Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this file photo.
British author J.K. Rowling poses for a photo at the release of her latest Harry Potter book titled "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
British writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, is shown in London in this, Dec. 10, 2007, file photo.
British writer J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, is shown in London in this, Dec. 10, 2007, file photo.   (Associated Press)
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Rowling advocates authors' rights
Bloomberg

More on the defense's arguments
Wall Street Journal

 
Harry Potter • plagiarism • JK Rowling • trial • copyright • copyright infringement • Harry Potter Lexicon

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