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These pages concern the similiarities in essence and style between Harry Potter and the series built around him and another little book written for children that precedes it and which is, according to its author, the original source of the character and the series.
That book is called Travels with Li Po.
When the Derry News, one of our local newspapers, ran an article on the similarities between the two, J.K Rowling's legal reps (called "Schillings") sprang into action. They jumped all over the Derry News which is a relatively minor local paper. Why would they bother? For a number of likely reasons. To set a precedent, to establish a deterrent against those contemplating doing the same thing and damage the credibility of those responsible for the article. 'Common practice' let it be said. Legalised belligerence. The editor's crime? His paper had stated that "Rowling's lawyers" had accused William Kelly, author of Travels With Li Po of plagiarism. They weren't actually "Rowling's lawyers" technically speaking. "They" were Neil Blair, lawyer for Christopher Little, Rowling's agent, and clearly acting in her best interests. A piffling technicality by any measure. But, it was enough. Schillings had to move and move swiftly to offset what threatened to become a global scandal, something the Rowling gang have been scared of since the beginning and which explains their relentless avoidance of scrutiny.
Not to have acted would have meant public acceptance and awareness of the fact that verifiable direct connections concerning plagiarism actually exist or could exist, between the two books.....which they do of course, abundantly,.....but.....
NOBODY IS SUPPOSED TO KNOW.
It would be bad for business. They acted swiftly because, clever boys that they are, they knew it had to be firmly established that Rowling had no knowledge of and never had any knowledge of Travels With Li Po or its author. Will knows different.... and better. Moreover, the paper apologized despite our strong objections and in a manner dictated by Schillings. There was no way we could prevent the editor from trying to save his business and livelihood and those of his staff. On the other hand, he could have called their bluff, at least.
You can find out what we have to say about it all from HERE.
NB: Before you read on please accept that this is not an attempt to get you to buy the book. Two years ago you could have picked it up for nothing at our website. Here, we present the facts to you because nobody else is going to, and you have a right to know. This is not about bewigged gamesmanship or verbal fencing or one-upmanship. This is about TRUTH and FREEDOM OF SPEECH..
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