[HPforGrownups] Re: Significance of missing line (was: HBP paperback)

[Kemper]

No: HPFGUIDX 156173

> > Potioncat:
> > It is such a big difference! I thought it was only the first part
> > that was different. That JKR allowed the change for any reason---and
> > didn't make sure it was done in both---makes no sense.
> >
> Sue here:
>
> It's not impossible that the change was made for the US edition on the
demand of the US
> publisher. This happens often with books from overseas, because publishers
in the US
> seem to think their readers won't get certain subtle implications (...
snip ...). Sorry to say this to US readers, but your publishers don't have
> a lot of respect for you. :-(   ... snip ...
>
> Even in HP, the title Sorcerer's Stone is meaningless in the context of
the story, but the
> publishers didn't think US readers would understand what a Philosopher's
Stone was, even
> though it was explained in the book.
> 


Kemper now:
I can understand if they don't think US readers pick up on nuances of a
plot/dialog, but the why edit out from the US softback what was left in for
the US hardback?

As far as Philosopher's Stone becoming Sorcerer's Stone, it wasn't because
the US publisher thought their (child) readers were dumb, per se.  It was
because the US publisher thought their (child) readers would be more likely
to buy a book with an easy magical reference (sorcerer) than with an obscure
magical reference (Philosopher's Stone).  It had to do more with profit and
much less to do with the concern of their reader's understanding.

Kemper


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