British Book Awards Confers “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” the 30from30 Prize

23 years after its initial release, the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone continues to live on. In celebration of its own 30th anniversary, the British Book Awards, known as “the Nibbies” for short, presented the first Harry Potter book with the 30from30 award. It edged out 29 other books, which were all winners of the award in previous years, to clinch the top prize.

The judges of the British Book Awards had nothing short of praise for the influence that Philosopher’s Stone has had on fans across the globe. In its Winners’ Supplement, The Bookseller, which organizes the annual awards, wrote about the book’s influence.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the book that lived. It changed everything for everyone and is the rightful winner of this one-off award.

One of the judges even declared that the book is ideal for both children and adults.

It is a very clever beginning for a series that is not just a brilliant read for children but also a very adult musing on the nature of life and death.

J.K. Rowling accepted the award via a video link from her home. In her acceptance speech, she shared its personal significance.

It is a massive honour to receive a 30th anniversary Best of the Nibbies award for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It is particularly meaningful because the first award Harry ever won was a Nibbie. […] Since childhood, books have been my greatest refuge, and nothing makes me prouder than to think that my books have been that for other people. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Feeling nostalgic about the book that started our beloved Wizarding World? An illustrious list of celebrities are taking turns to read chapters of Philosopher’s Stone in the Harry Potter at Home initiative!