Harry Potter books question...

So, I've never read any of the HP books. Seen the first movie, but that is all. My plan is to just buy the 7 book boxed set when it inevitably comes out, and read it all in succession.

I've seen the set available for pre-order, but I have some questions about it. Here are three versions on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0545044251

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/0747594562

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/0747593698

1) On .ca, there is a distinction between there being an "adult" version. What does that mean? Is it just cover art, or is there a difference in content?

2) Given that the US currency is a piece of shit right now, the .ca versions are _WAY_ more expensive than the .com version. Is there any reason for this? I guess if you look at the list price on .com, it's more in line.

3) Ideally, I'd get the one from .com, just cause of the price and quicker shipping (living in the states and all that). The only thing that concerns me is that I've heard horrible rumours of the american versions being dumbed down, in particular for the first book. Even the title was edited from "Philosopher's Stone" to "Sorcerer's Stone", and according to wikipedia, random bits are also changed (though it seems it's just stupid edits like "mum" --> "mom", though those are still kind of condescending to me). Is it only the first book that's been molested this way? Also, since I'm sure there are some fans who are crazy enough to have read both versions, is there a noticeable difference that would make it worth buying the first book from canada and swapping out the american version from the US box set, as if it were Rocky V in a Rocky box set? :lol:

I'm a dork.

Uhm... They "Dumbed" down the book? Dude...









DON'T TRUST WIKIPEDIA!!!!

I guess I hit a soft spot. Here, read this: http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/07/2...ng-gleick.html

You may have to create an account for it. I can paste the article if you want. I'm not saying it was dumbed down for the dum dum americans, I'm just saying I would probably notice (and cringe at) the differences. It's for the same reason that if I'm going to read manga, I always get the french versions, cause americans are shitty at translating that stuff.

I think the American version changes to the books are mainly spellings and terms changes - like taking the "u" out of "favorite" and "color". And some terms like the calling something a "baseboard" rather than a "kickboard" (or whatever the Brits call them, I can't remember) - I read about that example they took from the first description of Grimmauld Place in OoTP.

And other than the different title of "Sorceror's Stone" from "Philosopher's Stone", I don't think any other changes, such as general content, were made.

I would buy whatever hardcover box set is cheaper, including shipping charges, and taking into account how quickly you want to get it.

The article shows some other examples, like "Crumpet" => "English muffin"... and I'd rather just check the dictionary from time to time and actually learn something from these words.

In any case, I'll probably end up just waiting for the paperbacks and paying like half the amount. I'm not a fanatic hehe.