Khmer version of Harry Potter Available
I have just bought a Khmer version of Harry Potter, which was translated by Un Tim of University of Cambodia Press. Actually I do not see its popularity in Phnom Penh, so I doubt it can be found in provinces.
I was aware of it during a visiting of my Dutch mentor few weeks ago. Somtimes, as a local people I was too late to get to know a local product available.
September 9th, 2005 at 7:52 am
How many pages is Harry Potter’s khmer version ? The American copy is about 300 pages. Is the translation good ? I will surely try to get a copy when I’m in Phnom Penh.
Thanks
September 10th, 2005 at 8:51 am
It is about 320 pages. However you can expect that Khmer characters take more spaces comparing to English counterpart.
I think it is a good literature book to make young children to become reading lover.
September 11th, 2005 at 8:56 am
Wow, you found one. It came out last March and TSF purchased a few copies for the school library. I would love to get a copy, but will have to wait until my next trip.
September 11th, 2005 at 10:51 am
Until now they were only letting Khmer kids below a certain age limit buy the books. Perhaps they were selling below the actual manufacturing cost. Is the book now available at markets or at Monument Books or IBC? Are they letting everyone buy them now? If so, how much is a copy?
- Tim
September 11th, 2005 at 15:21 pm
The book looks nice and costs only $0.60. I bought it at Peace Book Center, on Monyvong Boulevard, which is propably a brand of International Book Center.
When I was in Hochiminh city few years ago, I found so many Vietnamese translated books. I am wondering Cambodia will do that, having a lot of books in our own language.
September 11th, 2005 at 20:34 pm
I’m told this translation was sponsored by a foreigner who wanted to inspire reading by Cambodians. Several barang friends tried to buy the book, and were told they couldn’t! I hope it’s selling well, reading needs to increase in Cambodia.
Coming next March: The King’s Last Song, a new novel about Cambodia by Geoff Ryman. If they can translate “Harry Potter”, why not a novel about Cambodia?
September 12th, 2005 at 8:45 am
My Dutch mentor is Ta Barang, he bought it for a small kid of his local friend here. I think they printed the books in large number, so that it makes the price low.
October 17th, 2005 at 11:33 am
guess who made all this happen?
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2005/heroes/bernard_krisher.html
October 17th, 2005 at 11:38 am
…In early 2004, he wrote British author J.K. Rowling urging her to allow a cut-rate, Khmer-language version of Harry Potter. “Children in Cambodia simply haven’t read since the days of Pol Pot,” he says. “They needed such a book.” After lengthy negotiations, Rowling agreed. A Japanese businessman put up $15,000 for printing costs. Today, Cambodian families can buy their child Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone for 50¢—thanks to Bernie Krisher’s wizardry.
December 13th, 2005 at 11:43 am
Do you know of any way to get Harry Potter outside of Cambodia?
I’m in the U.S. but would love to have a copy.
January 9th, 2006 at 19:20 pm
[...] Lately a reader has commented on my previous entry about how Khmer-language version of Harry Potter hit the markets in a very affordable price in Cambodia. …In early 2004, he wrote British author J.K. Rowling urging her to allow a cut-rate, Khmer-language version of Harry Potter. “Children in Cambodia simply haven’t read since the days of Pol Pot,” he says. “They needed such a book.” After lengthy negotiations, Rowling agreed. A Japanese businessman put up $15,000 for printing costs. Today, Cambodian families can buy their child Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone for 50¢—thanks to Bernie Krisher’s wizardry. Former journalist Bernard Krisher is building 275 schools for Cambodian children [...]
May 14th, 2007 at 3:53 am
I have this book also. I’m a collector of Harry POtterbooks, and my collegue bought this one for me during his trip in Cambodja two years ago. It’s the first time I see this picture on the internet! I wonder if there are more HP-books translated in Cambodja?
July 14th, 2007 at 15:17 pm
i sure and realy realy want The Harry Potter book that was translated in khmer, cause m not well with english so much. i used to bought and i try to read it, but i can’t know about its meaning at all. But now m so happy if i seen the next Harrys were on sale and i’m realy try to buy it. If someone know where to buy it pleas contact me +85511757079 or e-mail: kids_denny@yahoo.com . I hope Mr. Un tin continue translate the next Harry such as: Harry potter and Chamber secret, Harry potter and Deathly Hallows and all series of Harry potter. Hope you!
July 22nd, 2007 at 23:36 pm
that’s awesome, i’m really glad that a great book like this is translated in khmer, i want one to read to improve my khmer..if anyone know how i can get one, pls email me: datwunkkboi@yahoo.com
August 25th, 2007 at 18:47 pm
I wonder that why I can’t find the Harry Potter book at the University of Cambodia? I had red the Harry Potter books in English but I can’t understand it at all. So I really want to read this book in Khmer.
October 4th, 2007 at 18:50 pm
Where can I buy the Khmer version of Harry Potter online?