It is that time of year again. Time for Potter-mania to take control. This summer is particularly meaningful and poignant, as the fifth installment of the movie was released just ten days before the seventh and final book. With the advance anticipation of the series finale gripping not only the country but the entire world, Potter-mania has hit an all time high.

The seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is slated for worldwide simultaneous release. Legions of eager fans from all walks of life pre-ordered their copies as soon as presales opened and plan to attend midnight release parties. Many of these same fans shelled out only a few days prior for tickets to the midnight premiere of the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Many attended the movie in costume, dressed as their favorite characters. Many more plan to wear costumes to the book release. Theories on the eventual fate of the characters are flying around the world and rumors of the final book’s allegedly leaked contents are rampant. Respected betting houses are taking bets on whether or not the title character will be killed.

The stars of the film are appearing in interviews with the likes of Larry King. Security surrounding the seventh book is said to be governed by book-sized secrecy agreements. The fact that any book series could garner the same hysterical reaction once reserved for the Beatles is startling enough. The fact that the book series in question is technically children’s literature is truly amazing.

Experts in psychology and sociology have been studying the Potter phenomenon ever since July 8, 2000, when the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire started a mania not matched in recent times. Potter fever has built steadily ever since. Experts may continue to debate the reasons for the phenomenon for decades to come, as there does not seem to be one simple or discrete answer.

Whatever the reasons, Potter mania has truly reached an all time high. Only time will tell whether the film series can maintain its momentum once the final secrets are revealed. For now, however, dress as your favorite Gryffindor or Slytherin and join in the fun. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released just after midnight on July 20/21, 2007. I know I’ve cleared my schedule for that weekend. If you need me, you can find me with my nose in the book.

Posted by Lisa.

Lisa is the editor of Quality Dating Resources.