book differences - Wormtail's name

[nplyon]

No: HPFGUIDX 40270

> 
> Incidentally, were any Americans (as a nation) insulted that the 
American publishers thought no one would buy it if it had the 
word "Philosopher" on the cover, hence the change to Sorcerer's Stone?
]

Hi all,

I'm new to the group and happy to have found a place to have 
intelligent, literary discussions about the Harry Potter series.  
Forgive me if I repeat anything that's already been discussed.  I'm 
trying to read through as many message as possible but there are 
thousands.

I wanted to say that I am an American who was insulted by the name 
change in the books.  I was not much of a fantasy novel type reader 
but even I knew what the Philospher's Stone was.  I firmly believe 
that making the changes taints the book somewhat.  I have all four in 
American versions and would like to purchase British versions to look 
at the differences.  At any rate, I think the publishers were a bit 
insulting by implying that American children wouldn't understand 
that "Mummy" is the same thing as "Mommy."  I love the British flavor 
of the novels.  I've enjoyed trying to find out what things like 
treacle tarts are!

I'm currently rereading GOF and I too noticed that Crouch referred to 
Pettigrew as Wormtail.  That seemed strange to me as I was under the 
impression that these were secret names that only Potter, Black, 
Lupin, and Pettigrew knew.  If the names were generally known, 
wouldn't it have been obviously to Fred and George who the creators 
of the Marauder's Map really were?