Saturday, July 16 2005 17:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Edinburgh: Harry Potter mania today swept the planet as hundreds of thousands of ecstatic fans snapped up the latest adventure in the boy wizard series, which is tipped to become the fastest-selling book ever.

At one minute past midnight (July 16, 2005 - 04.31 IST), 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' - the sixth and penultimate volume in the magical series - went on sale in Britain and beyond, following a breathtaking countdown at Edinburgh Castle, which was made to resemble Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

To mark the moment, author J K Rowling read from her long-awaited novel live on television from inside the castle, which was also beamed onto a giant screen for 2,000 children and their families seated behind barriers outside.

At the same time, thousands of other "Potter parties" were taking place in bookshops across Europe, Asia and even South Africa erupted as fans - young and old - scrambled to get their hands on the first copies of the book.

Five hours later, more than 5,000 outlets across the United States joined in the frenzy, opening their doors to the muggle hordes once the magic stroke of midnight sounded from east coast to west.

"Excited, I am excited," the blonde-haired Rowling told a group of reporters at Edinburgh castle, just minutes before the launch. "There are a lot of answers in this book. I can't wait for everyone to read it."