View source for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

{{short description|1999 fantasy novel by J. K. Rowling}}
{{Redirect|Prisoner of Azkaban|the film adaptation|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film){{!}}''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' (film)|other uses}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox book
| name              = Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
| author            = [[J. K. Rowling]]
| country           = United Kingdom
| language          = English
| genre             = [[Fantasy novel|Fantasy]]
| publisher         = [[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]] (UK)
| isbn              = 0-7475-4215-5
| image             = Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.jpg
| caption           = Cover art of the first UK edition
| illustrator       = [[Cliff Wright (illustrator)|Cliff Wright]] (first edition)
| series            = ''[[Harry Potter]]''
| release_number    = {{ordinal|3}} in series
| pub_date          = 8 July 1999
| pages             = 317 (first edition) 
| preceded_by       = [[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]
| followed_by       = [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]
}}
'''''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban''''' ({{IPAc-en|æ|z|k|ɑː|b|ɑː|n|,_|-|ə|b|ɑː|n}} {{Respell|AS|kaa|baan|,_|kuh|baan}}; also {{IPAc-en|æ|z|k|æ|b|ɑː|n}} {{Respell|AS|ka|baan}}) is a [[fantasy novel]] written by British author [[J. K. Rowling]]. It is the third installment in the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series. The novel follows [[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]], a young [[wizard (fantasy)|wizard]], in his third year at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. Along with friends [[Ron Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]], Harry investigates [[Sirius Black]], an escaped prisoner from [[Azkaban]], the wizard prison, believed to be one of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s old allies.

The book was published in the United Kingdom on 8 July 1999 by [[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]] and in the United States on 8 September 1999 by [[Scholastic Inc|Scholastic, Inc]].<ref name="about.com">{{cite web | url=http://bestsellers.about.com/od/bookclubresources/ig/Harry-Potter-Books---Movies/Harry-Potter-Book-3.htm | title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (Book 3) | publisher=about.com | access-date=23 July 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511234842/http://bestsellers.about.com/od/bookclubresources/ig/Harry-Potter-Books---Movies/Harry-Potter-Book-3.htm | archive-date=11 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Pottermore Release">{{cite web | url=http://pottermore-news.com/harry-potter/books/ | title=The Harry Potter Books | publisher=Pottermore | access-date=23 July 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723182513/http://pottermore-news.com/harry-potter/books/ | archive-date=23 July 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/aug/09/best-selling-books-all-time-fifty-shades-grey-compare | title=The top 100 bestselling books of all time: how does Fifty Shades of Grey compare? | work=The Guardian | date=9 August 2012 | access-date=19 July 2013 | location=London | first=Simon | last=Rogers | url-status=live | archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20170407222104/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/aug/09/best-selling-books-all-time-fifty-shades-grey-compare | archive-date=7 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="ajc">{{cite news | url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADA4A144AB2106&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | title=Review: Another harrowing adventure for Harry | publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution | access-date=23 July 2013 | archive-date=26 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064526/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADA4A144AB2106&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | url-status=live }}</ref> Rowling found the book easy to write, finishing it just a year after she began writing it. The book sold 64,000 copies in just three days after its release in the United Kingdom<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/donotmigrate/3593769/Longing-for-the-clock-to-strike-12.html | title=Longing for the clock to strike 12 | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=2 May 2003 | access-date=20 July 2013 | location=London | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229061857/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/donotmigrate/3593769/Longing-for-the-clock-to-strike-12.html | archive-date=29 February 2016 }}</ref> and since has sold over three million in the country. The book won the 1999 [[Costa Book Awards|Whitbread Children's Book Award]], the [[Bram Stoker Award]], and the 2000 [[Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel]] and was short-listed for other awards, including the [[Hugo Award for Best Novel|Hugo]].

The [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|film adaptation of the novel]] was released in 2004, grossing more than $796 million and earning critical acclaim. Video games loosely based on ''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' were also released for several platforms, and most obtained favourable reviews.

==Plot==
During the summer, Harry accidentally performs magic at the home of his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon by blowing up his Aunt Marge, causing her to float into the sky. After this incident, he leaves their house and travels to London by The Knight Bus. At London, he spends his summer there. While staying at the [[The Leaky Cauldron (pub)|Leaky Cauldron]] inn, Harry is visited by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]], who warns him about [[Sirius Black]], a mass-murderer who escaped from the wizard prison [[Azkaban]].

With Black at large, [[Dementors]] have been stationed at [[Hogwarts]] as a security measure. During a Care of Magical Creatures lesson with [[Hagrid]], [[Draco Malfoy]] is injured after provoking a [[hippogriff]] named Buckbeak. Draco's father, [[Lucius Malfoy]], gets Hagrid put on trial for owning a dangerous creature. Harry repeatedly faints in the presence of the Dementors, but eventually is taught by [[Professor Lupin]], a new teacher, how to repel them using the Patronus Charm. When Harry is unable to participate in weekend trips to [[Hogsmeade|Hogsmeade Village]], [[Fred and George Weasley|Fred and George]] give him a [[Marauder's map|magical map]] that shows him how to get there using a secret passage. At the Three Broomsticks pub, Harry overhears that Black is his godfather, that he betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort, and that he now seeks to kill Harry as well.

When Ron's pet rat [[Scabbers]] disappears, he blames Hermione and her cat Crookshanks. Ron and Hermione stop talking to each other, although Hermione is distraught when Ron survives an attack by Black inside the Gryffindor dormitory. After the attack, Black cannot be found. After Harry, Ron and Hermione learn that Buckbeak will be executed, they console Hagrid, and Ron and Hermione resume their friendship. Ron also finds Scabbers, who was hiding in Hagrid's hut. As the friends make their way back to the castle, Ron is attacked by a large black dog, which drags him through the passageway leading to Hogsmeade. Harry and Hermione give chase, and find themselves in the [[Shrieking Shack]], where the dog is revealed to be Black in his [[Animagus]] form. Lupin arrives, and Black states that he intends to kill Scabbers, not Harry. He explains that Scabbers is [[Peter Pettigrew]], who betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort and framed Black for mass murder. Black and Lupin compel Pettigrew to transform into human form, then haul him back to Hogwarts.

On the way to the castle, the full moon causes Lupin to transform into a werewolf. Pettigrew escapes and is pursued by Black, Harry and Hermione, who encounter Dementors and lose consciousness. They awaken in the castle, where Black is now being held captive. Harry and Hermione proclaim his innocence to Dumbledore, who suggests using Hermione's [[Time Turner]]. Harry and Hermione travel back in time and save both Black and Buckbeak, who fly away together. Snape blames Lupin for Black's disappearance and makes his werewolf-identity public, which forces Lupin to resign. On the train back to London, Harry receives a letter from Black, expressing his gratitude for saving his life.

==Publication and reception==
===Pre-release history===
''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' is the third book in the ''Harry Potter'' series. The first, ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', was published by Bloomsbury on 26 June 1997 and the second, ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', was published on 2 July 1998.<ref name="timeline">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/235354|title=A Potter timeline for muggles|work=Toronto Star|date=14 July 2004|access-date=21 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220001353/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/235354|archive-date=20 December 2008}}</ref> Rowling started to write the ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' the day after she finished ''The Chamber of Secrets''.<ref name="TR">{{cite web | url=http://theremembrall.org/books/azkaban/ | title=About the Book | publisher=The Remembrall | access-date=20 July 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209001627/http://theremembrall.org/books/azkaban/ | archive-date=9 December 2013 }}</ref> Rowling said in 2004 that ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' was "the best writing experience I ever had...I was in a very comfortable place writing (number) three. Immediate financial worries were over, and press attention wasn't yet by any means excessive".<ref>{{cite news|last=Puig|first=Claudia|title=New 'Potter' movie sneaks in spoilers from upcoming books|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2004-05-27-potter-movie-book_x.htm|access-date=17 October 2010|date=27 April 2004|work=USA Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040701142730/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2004-05-27-potter-movie-book_x.htm|archive-date=1 July 2004}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
Upon release, ''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' received mostly positive reviews. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported on reviews from several British publications with a rating scale for the novel out of "Love It", "Pretty Good", "Ok", and "Rubbish": ''The Daily Telegraph'', ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'', ''[[The Times|Times]]'', ''[[The Independent|Independent]]'', ''[[Sunday Telegraph]]'', and ''[[Sunday Times]]'' reviews under "Love It" and ''[[The Observer|Observer]]'' review under "Pretty Good".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Books of the moment: What the papers said|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/149292274/ |access-date=13 June 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph|date=31 July 1999 |page=65 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Books of the moment: What the papers said|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/149292269/|access-date=13 June 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 July 1999 |page=64 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Books of the moment: What the papers said|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/149292265/|access-date=13 June 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 July 1999 |page=66 }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported an average rating of 9 out of 10 for the book based on reviews from multiple British newspapers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Review of Reviews|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian/139472318/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |via=Newspapers.com |issn=0261-3077|date=16 July 1999 |page=91 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Digested Read|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian/139472562/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |via=Newspapers.com |issn=0261-3077 |date=16 July 1999 |page=90 }}</ref> On ''[[BookBrowse]]'', based on American press, the book received a {{rating|5|5}} from "Critics' Consensus" and for the media reviews on a rating scale out of five: ''[[Kirkus Reviews]]'' and ''[[School Library Journal]]'' reviews under five and ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' review under four.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban|url=https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/451/harry-potter-the-prisoner-of-azkaban#media_reviews|access-date=2023-10-04 |website=BookBrowse |language=en}}</ref>

[[Gregory Maguire]] wrote a review in ''[[The New York Times]]'' for ''Prisoner of Azkaban'': in it he said, "So far, in terms of plot, the books do nothing new, but they do it brilliantly...so far, so good."<ref name="times review">{{cite news|last=Maguire|first=Gregory|title=Lord of the Golden Snitch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/05/books/lord-of-the-golden-snitch.html|work=The New York Times|date=5 September 1999|access-date=13 October 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111101250/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/05/books/lord-of-the-golden-snitch.html|archive-date=11 November 2012}}</ref> In a newspaper review in ''The New York Times'', it was said that "'The Prisoner of Azkaban' may be the best 'Harry Potter' book yet".<ref name="NYT Daily">{{cite web | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=smQpAAAAIBAJ&pg=1646,140795&dq=prisoner+of+azkaban+book&hl=en | title=Rowling has magic touch with 'Prisoner' | work=The New York Times | date=1 October 1999 | access-date=20 July 2013 | author=Macpherson, Karen | archive-date=29 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429140027/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=smQpAAAAIBAJ&pg=1646,140795&dq=prisoner+of+azkaban+book&hl=en | url-status=live }}</ref> A reviewer for [[KidsReads]] said, "This crisply-paced fantasy will leave you hungry for the four additional Harry books that J.K. Rowling is working on. Harry's third year is a charm. Don't miss it."<ref>{{cite web|first=Shannon|last=Maughan|url=http://www.kidsreads.com/HP07/books/prisoner_azkaban.asp|title=Kidsreads.com&nbsp;— Harry Potter&nbsp;— The Prisoner of Azkaban|publisher=KidsReads|access-date=7 November 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025194509/http://www.kidsreads.com/HP07/books/prisoner_azkaban.asp|archive-date=25 October 2010}}</ref> ''[[Kirkus Reviews]]'' did not give a starred review but said, "a properly pulse-pounding climax...The main characters and the continuing story both come along so smartly...that the book seems shorter than its page count: have readers clear their calendars if they are fans, or get out of the way if they are not."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/adult/jk-rowling/harry-potter/|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban review|work=[[Kirkus Reviews]]|date=15 September 1999|access-date=17 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528134215/http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/adult/jk-rowling/harry-potter/|archive-date=28 May 2011}}</ref> Martha V. Parravano also gave a positive review for ''[[The Horn Book Magazine]]'', calling it "quite a good book."<ref name="Parravano">{{cite web|last=Parravano|first=Martha V.|title=''Harry Potter'' reviews|url=http://archive.hbook.com/magazine/reviews/group/harrypotter_revs.asp|work=[[The Horn Book Magazine]]|date=November 1999|access-date=26 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524201003/http://archive.hbook.com/magazine/reviews/group/harrypotter_revs.asp|archive-date=24 May 2012}}</ref> In addition, a ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' review said, "Rowling's wit never flags, whether constructing the workings of the wizard world...or tossing off quick jokes...The Potter spell is holding strong".<ref name="Publishers Weekly">{{cite web|title=Children's Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-439-13635-8|work=[[Publishers Weekly]]|access-date=26 July 2013|date=1 October 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011134551/http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-439-13635-8|archive-date=11 October 2016}}</ref>

However, [[Anthony Holden]], who was one of the judges against ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' for the Whitbread Award, was negative about the book, saying that the characters are "all black-and-white", and the "story-lines are predictable, the suspense minimal, the sentimentality cloying every page".<ref>{{cite news|first=Anthony|last=Holden|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/jun/25/booksforchildrenandteenagers.guardianchildrensfictionprize2000|title=Why Harry Potter doesn't cast a spell over me|work=The Observer|location=UK|date=25 June 2000|access-date=10 February 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824155219/http://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/jun/25/booksforchildrenandteenagers.guardianchildrensfictionprize2000|archive-date=24 August 2013}}</ref>

In 2012 it was ranked number 12 on a list of the top 100 children's novels published by ''[[School Library Journal]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2012/07/07/top-100-chapter-book-poll-results |title= Top 100 Chapter Book Poll Results |author= Bird, Elizabeth |publisher= A Fuse #8 Production. Blog. [[School Library Journal]] (blog.schoollibraryjournal.com) |date= 7 July 2012 |access-date= 8 December 2021 |archive-date= 13 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120713031015/http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2012/07/07/top-100-chapter-book-poll-results |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Awards===
''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' won several awards, including the 1999 [[Booklist Editors' Choice]] Award,<ref>{{cite book|title=Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1999 {{!}} Booklist Online|url=http://www.booklistonline.com/Booklist-Editors-Choice-Books-for-Youth-1999/pid=3603404|via=Booklist Online|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614021051/https://www.booklistonline.com/Booklist-Editors-Choice-Books-for-Youth-1999/pid=3603404|archive-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> the 1999 [[Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.horror.org/stokerwinnom.htm#1999|title=Bram Stoker Awards 1999|publisher=Horror Writers Association|access-date=18 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113132337/http://www.horror.org/stokerwinnom.htm#1999|archive-date=13 January 2008}}</ref> the 1999 [[Federation of Children's Book Groups|FCBG]] [[Children's Book Award (UK)|Children's Book Award]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Awards for the Harry Potter Books|url=http://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/author/awards|work=Bloomsbury|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722185020/http://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/author/awards|archive-date=22 July 2013}}</ref> the 1999 [[Costa Book Awards|Whitbread Book of the Year]] for children's books,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://books.guardian.co.uk/specialreports/whitbread/0,,101589,00.html|title=Whitbread Prize 1999|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 March 2011|location=London|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229071005/http://books.guardian.co.uk/specialreports/whitbread/0,,101589,00.html|archive-date=29 December 2010}}</ref> and the 2000 [[Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Locus2000.html#nvlf|title=2000 Locus Awards|work=[[Locus (magazine)|Locus]]|date=2 July 2000|access-date=18 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003050742/http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/Locus2000.html#nvlf|archive-date=3 October 2012}}</ref> It was also nominated for the 2000 [[Hugo Award for Best Novel]], the first in the series nominated, but lost to ''[[A Deepness in the Sky]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2000-hugo-awards|title=2000 Hugo Awards|publisher=World Science Fiction Society|access-date=18 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507164748/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2000-hugo-awards/|archive-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' additionally won the 2004 [[Indian Paintbrush Book Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ccpls.org/bookawards/IPbibdates.pdf|title=Indian Paintbrush Book Awards By Year 1986–2011|publisher=Indian Paintbrush Awards|year=2004|access-date=23 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321185143/http://ccpls.org/bookawards/IPbibdates.pdf|archive-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> and the 2004 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Previous Winners {{!}} Colorado Blue Spruce Award|url=http://www.coloradobluespruceaward.org/previous-winners|work=Colorado Blue Spruce Award|publisher=Blue Spruce Award Committee|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220120908/http://www.coloradobluespruceaward.org/previous-winners|archive-date=20 December 2011}}</ref> Additionally, it was named an [[American Library Association Notable Children's Book]] in 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/viewBooklist.do?dp=%3D%3FUTF-8%3FB%3FYm9va2xpc3RJZD05OTg5OTcmc2hhcmVkPXRydWU%3D%3F%3D|title=ALA Notable Children's Books All Ages|publisher=Scholastic|date=6 November 2007|access-date=23 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716015006/http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/viewBooklist.do?dp=%3D%3FUTF-8%3FB%3FYm9va2xpc3RJZD05OTg5OTcmc2hhcmVkPXRydWU%3D%3F%3D|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref> as well as one of their Best Books for Young Adults.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklists/bestbooksya/2000bestbooks|title=Best Books for Young Adults|publisher=American Library Association|year=2000|access-date=23 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229175038/http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklists/bestbooksya/2000bestbooks|archive-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> As with the previous two books in the series, ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' won the [[Nestlé Smarties Book Prize]] Gold Medal for children aged 9–11 and made the top of the [[New York Times Best Seller list]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New York Times Best Seller Number Ones Listing|url=http://www.hawes.com/no1_f_a.htm#R|work=Hawes Publications|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808101907/http://www.hawes.com/no1_f_a.htm#R|archive-date=8 August 2011}}</ref> In both cases, it was the last in the series to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/author/awards|title=Awards for the Harry Potter Books|publisher=Bloomsbury|access-date=27 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722185020/http://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/author/awards|archive-date=22 July 2013}}</ref> However, in the latter case, a Children's Best Sellers list was created just before the release of ''Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'' in July 2000 in order to free up more room on the original list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bestseller Math|url=http://www.riverdeep.net/current/2001/11/111201t_top10.jhtml|work=Houghton Mifflin Harbourt|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518042101/http://www.riverdeep.net/current/2001/11/111201t_top10.jhtml|archive-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> In 2003, the novel was listed at number 24 on the [[BBC]]'s survey [[The Big Read]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml| publisher = BBC| title = The Big Read| date = April 2003| access-date = 12 December 2013| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121031065136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml| archive-date = 31 October 2012}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Prisoner of Azkaban'' sold more than 64,000 copies in the UK within three days of publication, which made it the fastest selling British book of the time.<ref name="Telegraph"/> The sales total by 2012 is said by ''[[The Guardian]]'' to be 3,377,906.<ref name="Guardian" />

==Editions==
[[File:Prisoner of Azkaban ARC.jpg|thumb|The cover of the US "Advance Reader's Edition", featuring an [[Harlequin print|Harlequin]] pattern]]
''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' was issued, prior to publication, in two distinct UK proof editions, and one US "Advance Reader's Edition".<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Errington |first=Philip W. |title=J.K. Rowling: A Bibliography 1997–2013 |date=2015 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-8496-6974-0 |location=London}}</ref> The first UK proof, in purple wrappers, differs from the second in a number of respects, and is thought to have been printed in a small edition of 50 copies.<ref name=":1" /> The second UK proof is in green wrappers and was printed in a somewhat larger run.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Scarce Green Uncorrected Proof, 1 of 150 !) – J.K. Rowling |url=https://www.meierandsons.com/store/products/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban-scarce-green-uncorrected-proof-1-of-150-j-k-rowling-2 |access-date=2025-03-03 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.K. Rowling {{!}} The Prisoner of Azkaban, 1999, uncorrected proof copy, second state {{!}} Books and Manuscripts: 19th and 20th Century {{!}} 2021 |url=https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/books-and-manuscripts-19th-and-20th-century/j-k-rowling-the-prisoner-of-azkaban-1999?locale=en |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Sotheby's |language=en}}</ref> The US Advance Reader's Edition is the last of its kind in the Harry Potter series,{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} as no Advance Reader's Editions are known for books 4 through 7.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} The rear wrapper of the Advance Reader's Edition reveals the circumstances of the US publication of the book:

{{blockquote|Due to the unprecedented demand for this book, we have moved the publication date up a full year. (We understand, we couldn’t wait to read it either!). Accordingly, we have rushed to bring this Advance Reader’s Edition to you as quickly as possible.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}}}

''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' was released in hardcover in the UK on 8 July 1999<ref name=Tomfolio>{{cite web | title = Publishers Info: The Phenomenon of Harry Potter | publisher = Tomfolio.com | url = http://www.tomfolio.com/PublisherInfo/HarryPotter.asp | first = Lester | last = Elisco | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090412015849/http://www.tomfolio.com/PublisherInfo/HarryPotter.asp | archive-date = 12 April 2009 }}</ref> and in the US on 8 September.<ref name = Tomfolio /> The UK edition was released at the unusually precise time of 3.45pm, so as to avoid children skipping school in order to purchase the book.<ref name=":1" /> The first state of the hardback edition features an error on p.&nbsp;7, with an unintended carriage return in a block quote. Two further issues were released, both fixing the error. Across all three states, 5,150 were printed by Clays Ltd.<ref name=":1" />

The British paperback edition was released on 1 April 2000,<ref>{{cite book|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) paperback|year=1999|via=Amazon|isbn=0747546290|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780747546290|url-access=registration}}</ref> while the US paperback was released 1 October 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bargainbookstores.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of/M/0439136369.htm|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) Paperback|publisher=BargainBookStores.com|access-date=3 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720081840/http://www.bargainbookstores.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of/M/0439136369.htm|archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref>

Bloomsbury additionally released an adult edition with a different cover design to the original, in paperback on 10 July 2004<ref>{{cite book|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3): Adult Edition (Paperback)|isbn=0747574499|last1=Rowling|first1=J. K.|year=2004|publisher=Bloomsbury }}</ref> and in hardcover in October 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomsbury.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of-Azkaban/J.K.-Rowling/books/details/9780747573623|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Adult Edition|publisher=Bloomsbury.com|access-date=3 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629014913/http://www.bloomsbury.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of-Azkaban/J.K.-Rowling/books/details/9780747573623|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> A hardcover special edition, featuring a green border and signature, was released on 8 July 1999.<ref name=Tomfolio/> In May 2004, Bloomsbury released a Celebratory Edition, with a blue and purple border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomsbury.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of-Azkaban/J.K.-Rowling/books/details/9780747573760|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Celebratory edition|publisher=Bloomsbury|access-date=3 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629015129/http://www.bloomsbury.com/Harry-Potter-and-the-Prisoner-of-Azkaban/J.K.-Rowling/books/details/9780747573760|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> On 1 November 2010, they released the 10th anniversary Signature edition illustrated by Clare Mellinsky and in July 2013 a new adult cover illustrated by Andrew Davidson, both these editions were designed by Webb & Webb Design Limited.<ref>{{cite book|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Signature edition|isbn=978-1408810569|last1=Rowling|first1=J. K.|year=2010|publisher=Bloomsbury }}</ref>

Beginning on 27 August 2013, Scholastic will release new covers for the paperback editions of ''Harry Potter'' in the United States to celebrate 15 years of the series.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-and-award-winning-illustrator-kazu-kibuishi-unveil-new-cover-for-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-in-celebration-of-harry-potter-15th-anniversary-217771841.html|title=Scholastic and Award-Winning Illustrator Kazu Kibuishi Unveil New Cover for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Celebration of Harry Potter 15th Anniversary|publisher=Scholastic|date=31 July 2013|access-date=31 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803073735/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-and-award-winning-illustrator-kazu-kibuishi-unveil-new-cover-for-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-in-celebration-of-harry-potter-15th-anniversary-217771841.html|archive-date=3 August 2013}}</ref> The covers were designed by the author and illustrator [[Kazu Kibuishi]].<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/06/28/book-buzz/2472085/ | title=Book Buzz: 'Harry Potter' gets a cover makeover | work=USA Today | date=28 June 2013 | access-date=20 July 2013 | first1=Yohana | last1=Desta | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709113321/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/06/28/book-buzz/2472085/ | archive-date=9 July 2013 }}</ref>

An illustrated version of ''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' was released&nbsp;on 3 October 2017, and was illustrated by [[Jim Kay]], who illustrated the previous two instalments. This includes over 115 new illustrations and will be followed by Illustrated editions of the following 4 novels in the future.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Cross |first=Beatrice |title=Harry Potter Illustrated Editions Jim Kay Announcement |url=https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/harry-potter/harry-potter-illustrated-editions-jim-kay-announcement/#:~:text=Jim%20Kay%27s%20next%20Illustrated%20Edition,worldwide%20on%2011th%20October%202022. |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=bloomsbury.com}}</ref> Jim Kay announced on 6 October 2022 that he would not be illustrating the final two Harry Potter books and that his last work, ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', would be released on 11 October 2022.<ref name=":0" />

==Adaptations==

===Film===
{{Main|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)}}
The film version of ''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'' was released in 2004 and was directed by [[Alfonso Cuarón]] from a screenplay by [[Steve Kloves]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)|date=1998–2009|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc.|access-date=12 December 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928134022/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/|archive-date=28 September 2013}}</ref> The film débuted at number one at the box office and held that position for two weeks.<ref name="numbers">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/numbers.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222065931/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/numbers.php|archive-date=22 February 2010|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban|date=1998–2009|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc.|access-date=12 December 2009}}</ref> It made a total of $796.7&nbsp;million worldwide,<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=harrypotter3.htm |title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) |publisher=Box Office Mojo |access-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212170035/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=harrypotter3.htm |archive-date=12 February 2009 }}</ref> which made it the second highest-grossing film of 2004 behind ''[[Shrek 2]]''. However, among all eight entries in the ''Harry Potter'' franchise, ''Prisoner of Azkaban'' grossed the lowest; yet among critics and fans, the film is often cited as the best in the franchise – in large part due to Cuarón's stylistic influence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2004&p=.htm |title=2004 WORLDWIDE GROSSES |publisher=Box Office Mojo |access-date=24 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110223131042/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2004&p=.htm |archive-date=23 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-04|title=Why Prisoner of Azkaban Is the Best Harry Potter Movie|url=https://collider.com/why-prisoner-of-azkaban-is-the-best-harry-potter-movie/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Collider|language=en-US|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817231629/https://collider.com/why-prisoner-of-azkaban-is-the-best-harry-potter-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film ranks at number 471 in ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine's 2008 list of the 500 greatest movies of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/500/6.asp|title=The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time|work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=7 November 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513195910/http://www.empireonline.com/500/6.asp|archive-date=13 May 2011}}</ref>

===Video games===
{{Main|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)}}

Three unique video games by different developers were released in 2004 by [[Electronic Arts]], loosely based on the book:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Developer !! Release date !! Platform !! Genre !! [[GameRankings]] !! [[Metacritic]]
|-
| [[KnowWonder]] || rowspan="2"| 25 May 2004 || [[Microsoft Windows]] || [[Adventure game|Adventure]]/[[Puzzle video game|puzzle]] || style="text-align:center;"| 68.52%<ref name=GRPC>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919435-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140130120223/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919435-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|archive-date=30 January 2014}}</ref> || style="text-align:center;"| 67/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Critic Reviews for PC|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140131183603/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews|archive-date=31 January 2014}}</ref>
|-
| [[Griptonite Games|Griptonite]] || [[Game Boy Advance]] || [[Role-playing game]] || style="text-align:center;"| 69.58%<ref name=GRGBA>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919439-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for Game Boy Advance|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140130143940/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919439-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|archive-date=30 January 2014}}</ref> || style="text-align:center;"| 69/100<ref name=MCGBA>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Critic Reviews for Game Boy Advance|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140129151210/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews|archive-date=29 January 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[EA Bright Light|EA UK]] || rowspan="3"| 29 May 2004 || [[GameCube]] || rowspan="3"| [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]] || style="text-align:center;"| 69.74%<ref name=GRGC>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/919438-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for GameCube|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713192146/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/919438-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|archive-date=13 July 2009}}</ref> || style="text-align:center;"| 67/100<ref name=MCGC>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Critic Reviews for GameCube|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140131023146/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews|archive-date=31 January 2014}}</ref>
|-
| [[PlayStation 2]] || style="text-align:center;"| 72.59%<ref name=GRPS2>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919436-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for PlayStation 2|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140131043702/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919436-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|archive-date=31 January 2014}}</ref> || style="text-align:center;"| 70/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Critic Reviews for PlayStation 2|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140129065005/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews|archive-date=29 January 2014}}</ref>
|-
| [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] || style="text-align:center;"| 68.39%<ref name=GRXB>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/919437-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for Xbox|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140131130047/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/919437-harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/index.html|archive-date=31 January 2014}}</ref> || style="text-align:center;"| 67/100<ref name=MCXB>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Critic Reviews for Xbox|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2014-01-29|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140130140009/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/critic-reviews|archive-date=30 January 2014}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Novels}}
{{wikibooks|Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter|Books/Prisoner of Azkaban|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{ISFDB title|id=19765|title=Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}

{{Harry Potter}} 
{{J. K. Rowling}}
{{Locus Award Best Fantasy Novel}}
{{BILBY Older Readers Award}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
[[Category:1999 children's books]]
[[Category:1999 British novels]]
[[Category:1999 fantasy novels]]
[[Category:BILBY Award–winning works]]
[[Category:Bloomsbury Publishing books]]
[[Category:Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers winners]]
[[Category:British novels adapted into films]]
[[Category:Costa Book Award–winning works]]
[[Category:Fiction about shapeshifting]]
[[Category:Fiction about size change]]
[[Category:Fiction about prison escapes]]
[[Category:Fiction about wrongful convictions]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 1993]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 1994]]
[[Category:Harry Potter novels|03]]
[[Category:Novels about revenge]]
[[Category:Novels about time travel]]
[[Category:Scholastic Corporation books]]
[[Category:Sequel novels]]
[[Category:Werewolf novels]]
[[Category:Children's fantasy novels]]
[[Category:Locus Award–winning works]]