JK Rowling heads list of 25 Brits who have defined the century so far!

[IwantToRetire]

In fact this list was published at the start of the year by the New Statesman which is a tiny bit left I think. So that's a surpise.

But as I couldn't see a thread about this thought I would start one, rather than another one about yet another group or social media platform that has banned her.

Some extracts:

JK Rowling changed Britain. But, perhaps uniquely on this list, she not only shaped Britain’s imaginative understanding of itself, but also the world’s imaginative understanding of Britain.

Irrespective, as both writer and activist, she has done more than any other 21st-century Briton to define this country both to itself and to the rest of the world. We live in a UK shaped by the mind – and the pen – of its most pre-eminent activist-author.

Full article at https://www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2025/12/the-25-brits-who-defined-the-century-so-far

Also at https://archive.is/cUMl6

(and beat Farage into second place - phew!)

A pity they didn’t mention her charitable contributions of something around half a billion quid.

Agreed - and worth of being acknowledged as a very "brit" style ie without fanfare and self aggrandising.

Very interesting list!

Yes, and different from the bland space-filling "best of" lists which magazines normally come up with. This is actually good, thoughtful journalism. I think I might subscribe.

I just did.

Fascinating list thank you @IwantToRetire - so much better than the usual bland hagiographies.

A really good read, thank you.

It reminds me that a few years ago journalists always felt they had to describe Rowling's views as 'controversial', but now there is much more recognition that her views are very widely shared.

Good to see Maggie Oliver on the list too.

I was very amused by this article about Draco Malfoy becoming a good luck symbol for the Year of the Horse in China. JK Rowling will never be cancelled.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0504y7p76lo