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Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition
Harry Potter: A Journey Through A History of Magic
An irresistible romp through the history of magic, from alchemy to unicorns, ancient witchcraft to Harry's Hogwarts – packed with unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, magical illustrations from Jim Kay and weird, wonderful and inspiring artefacts that have been magically released from the archives at the British Library.
This spellbinding book takes readers on a journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, including Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination and more. Discover the truth behind making the Philosopher's Stone, create your very own potion and uncover the secret of invisible ink. Learn all about the history of mandrake roots and dragons, discover what witches really used their brooms for, pore over incredible images of actual mermaids and read about real-life potions, astronomers and alchemists.
The perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan. Celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter magic, and produced in association with the British Library to support their major exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
Contents:
The magical world of Harry Potter --
The journey --
Potions and alchemy --
Herbology --
Charms --
Astronomy --
Divination --
Defence against the dark arts --
Care of magical creatures --
Past, present, future --
The British Library --
J. K. Rowling.
This spellbinding book takes readers on a journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, including Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination and more. Discover the truth behind making the Philosopher's Stone, create your very own potion and uncover the secret of invisible ink. Learn all about the history of mandrake roots and dragons, discover what witches really used their brooms for, pore over incredible images of actual mermaids and read about real-life potions, astronomers and alchemists.
The perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan. Celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter magic, and produced in association with the British Library to support their major exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
Contents:
The magical world of Harry Potter --
The journey --
Potions and alchemy --
Herbology --
Charms --
Astronomy --
Divination --
Defence against the dark arts --
Care of magical creatures --
Past, present, future --
The British Library --
J. K. Rowling.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2017
808 people are currently reading
8994 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 776 reviews
December 10, 2020
That's right.
There's a Harry Potter exhibit.
And it's a whole motherfudging ocean away.
Deeeeeep Breaths.
For those of you, like myself, simmering in a cauldron of jealous envy...well, at least we can still live vicariously through books. You can still experience (almost) all the wonder and magic of the History of Magic exhibit through one of the two souvenir books. This is the children's version - as noted by its soft cover and absence of the 'ickier' kinds of magic.
We go class-by-class and learn about the history of witchcraft & superstitions of the real world. Absolutely fascinating to read about the alchemist's scroll & the real Nicholas Flamel! And to think, Mandrakes really exist! And, I finally understood Charms class - when you charm an object, you give it a new property (i.e. making it float). Never made that connection before. At the end of each "class" was a fun related science experiment that you could do (with a grownup) in your own home.
As always, we have the magnificent illustrations of Jim Kay that just brighten up the entire book. And if I had one criticism, it would be that the images from Jim Kay are taken from the other illustrated Harry Potter books. Some of the professors were not included in the images simply because Kay hadn't painted them in the 3 published illustrated HPs. I would have loved to see new versions of the professor paintings and paintings of additional professors.
Despite that - this was truly, a joy to read !
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
There's a Harry Potter exhibit.
And it's a whole motherfudging ocean away.
Deeeeeep Breaths.
For those of you, like myself, simmering in a cauldron of jealous envy...well, at least we can still live vicariously through books. You can still experience (almost) all the wonder and magic of the History of Magic exhibit through one of the two souvenir books. This is the children's version - as noted by its soft cover and absence of the 'ickier' kinds of magic.
We go class-by-class and learn about the history of witchcraft & superstitions of the real world. Absolutely fascinating to read about the alchemist's scroll & the real Nicholas Flamel! And to think, Mandrakes really exist! And, I finally understood Charms class - when you charm an object, you give it a new property (i.e. making it float). Never made that connection before. At the end of each "class" was a fun related science experiment that you could do (with a grownup) in your own home.
Figure 1: Remus Lupin, one of the many DADA professors who taught at Hogwarts
As always, we have the magnificent illustrations of Jim Kay that just brighten up the entire book. And if I had one criticism, it would be that the images from Jim Kay are taken from the other illustrated Harry Potter books. Some of the professors were not included in the images simply because Kay hadn't painted them in the 3 published illustrated HPs. I would have loved to see new versions of the professor paintings and paintings of additional professors.
Despite that - this was truly, a joy to read !
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
November 26, 2021
In 2017 'The British Library' mounted an exhibition called "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter novel. This is a companion book to the library's presentation. Harry Potter fans will find much to like in this tribute, which is BEAUTIFUL to look at and FUN to read.
The book contains a variety of wonderful tidbits related to the Harry Potter series. Examples follow.
The volume contains original sketches by J.K. Rowling, drawn while she was writing the books. These include: the Hogwarts school and grounds (including the Giant Squid and the Whomping Willow); Harry and the Dursleys (I love this one - Dudley is a mini-Vernon); Harry and his friends (Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Gary....who was later renamed Dean); Professor Sprout and her magic plants; Argus Filch (looking exceptionally creepy); Nearly Headless Nick (showing why he's 'nearly headless'); Professor Snape; and more.
The book also has copies of original manuscript pages by J.K. Rowling, featuring: annotated handwritten and typed pages from 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'; emended pages from 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'; an edited handwritten copy of the 'Sorting Hat' song; a handwritten story from 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'; and others.
Also included are Rowling's handwritten lists of classes and teachers at Hogwarts and a detailed plan (in chart form) for 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'
All this shows a little of Rowling's 'writing process', which is interesting and instructive.
*****
The book has numerous GORGEOUS drawings by Jim Kay, illustrator for the illustrated editions of Harry Potter. These pictures include: Professor Dumbledore; Professor McGonagall; a busy Platform Nine and Three-Quarters; Professor Snape; Fluffy (the three-headed dog); Professor Sprout (surrounded by mandrakes); Diagon Alley; a Hippogriff; Aragog (the giant spider); Fawkes (the phoenix); winged keys; and many many more.
*****
The publication features examples of books, objects, and factoids that relate to 'magic', like: a bezoar stone in a gold filigree case; a cauldron from 800 B.C.; an actual mandrake root (this looks exactly like a little person); medieval books about herbology and potions; a medieval witch's broom owned by Olga Hunt of Manaton - who allegedly rode it during the full moon; an Arabic astrolabe (used by ancient astronomers to chart the night sky); a witch's scrying mirror (used for divination); a fortune telling cup and saucer (for tea leaves); magic wands; illustrations of constellations; names of stars; and innumerable others.
Snippets from - and anecdotes about - the Harry Potter stories are linked with the things mentioned above - to demonstrate how they may have inspired Rowling.
*****
There are also miscellaneous engaging segments scattered through the book, such as: Nicholas Flamel (featured in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone') was a real person; a man called George Ripley wrote a book about how to make a Philosopher's Stone (which apparently didn't work because he died in 1490); many modern medicines are based on plants (digoxin, quinine, aspirin); Leonardo DaVinci wrote notes in mirror handwriting (which reads from right to left); people once believed that the smell of a weasel could kill a basilisk; and lots more.
*****
Lastly , the book includes suggested activities for children (with instructions), such as: how to make a color-changing potion; how to make flowers change color; how to make a charmed banana (sliced inside it's intact skin); and how to find the lines on your palm (for palm reading).
I'm a big Harry Potter fan and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it to fans of the series, both kids and adults.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
March 28, 2019
Cute work on some of the ideas J. K. came up with. There is some original art pieces and manuscripts that Jo worked on in the writing process. It’s really cool to see those concepts that she had. Her vision for Diagon alley and the entrance into it was very cool. This book goes over major characters and beasts and things of the series. It’s more information for the Harry Potter fan out there.
December 11, 2017
Este fue un libro súper divertido de leer, sobre todo porque tienen un montón de material extra sobre el mundo de Harry Potter que nunca había visto la luz: ilustraciones de J. K. Rowling, manuscritos originales, escenas que fueron borradas, notas del editor, incluso una carta del guionista de todas las pelis.
Además, Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History Of Magic nos cuenta las historias reales de muchos objetos y artefactos que han sido considerados mágicos a lo largo de las eras y que, de una u otra manera, inspiraron el mundo mágico que Rowling creó.
Además, Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History Of Magic nos cuenta las historias reales de muchos objetos y artefactos que han sido considerados mágicos a lo largo de las eras y que, de una u otra manera, inspiraron el mundo mágico que Rowling creó.
November 4, 2017
2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of the very first Harry Potter book, the beginning of a magical journey for so many people around the world. There are a lot of interesting facts surrounding the author and how the story came to be, but there is another side: peoples‘ fascination with magic (spells, wands, certain animals, plants, ...) and the Harry Potter Exhibition at the British Library shows just that combination of what Rowling used in her books and historical scripts, painings and artifacts.
This version of the book is the children‘s version. I assume that the texts are shorter than in the other one (which I shall review next week when I receive it). It definitely is a colourful assortment, nevertheless full of interesting information and pictures of Rowling‘s scribbles and sketches and drafts. In addition to that, many illustrations by Jim Kay are included (which should be especially interesting to anyone not having bought the illustrated editions of the novels) as well as stunning photographs of the artifacts (wands, star charts, ...) that are on display in the British Library.
Moreover, and this is where you see that this is meant for children rather than adults, this edition contains instructions to fun activities that tie into the respective chapters/topics where they can be found.
A fun little treasure trove for those of us who unfortunately cannot go to the exhibition (or want the memories to last) and a great history lesson that has been put together in an interesting way to charm us all.
This version of the book is the children‘s version. I assume that the texts are shorter than in the other one (which I shall review next week when I receive it). It definitely is a colourful assortment, nevertheless full of interesting information and pictures of Rowling‘s scribbles and sketches and drafts. In addition to that, many illustrations by Jim Kay are included (which should be especially interesting to anyone not having bought the illustrated editions of the novels) as well as stunning photographs of the artifacts (wands, star charts, ...) that are on display in the British Library.
Moreover, and this is where you see that this is meant for children rather than adults, this edition contains instructions to fun activities that tie into the respective chapters/topics where they can be found.
A fun little treasure trove for those of us who unfortunately cannot go to the exhibition (or want the memories to last) and a great history lesson that has been put together in an interesting way to charm us all.
September 18, 2018
So I bought this straight after visiting the HP history of magic exhibition at the British library... literally, they were selling these books on a book stand at the end of the exhibition and I just couldn't resist!
It is a fantastic book filled with knowledge about the courses taught at Hogwarts and the history behind them. It is filled with wonderful illustrations through out and the knowledge is just so fascinating, it makes me want to research more. Definitely magical !
It is a fantastic book filled with knowledge about the courses taught at Hogwarts and the history behind them. It is filled with wonderful illustrations through out and the knowledge is just so fascinating, it makes me want to research more. Definitely magical !
October 9, 2018
Un libro muy diferente al resto de libros especiales de este estilo de Harry Potter.
Nos adentramos más al folclore de la magia durante toda la historia y como influyó todo eso en la historia que creó JK Rowling. Sin duda ha sido muy instructivo ^^
También trae muchas curiosidades, imágenes inéditas de los primeros bocetos de Harry Potter y también algunos de los borradores que nunca llegaron a estar dentro de los libros. Eso sí, todo eso viene en inglés (en la versión española). Creo que para los que no puedan leer en inglés pierde un poco la magia de lo que están enseñando... es el único fallo que le puedo poner al libro. Yo por suerte he podido leerlo todo y ha sido una experiencia fabulosa :)
Recomiendo este libro muchísimo, es de lo más interesante que vais a leer en mucho tiempo.
Nos adentramos más al folclore de la magia durante toda la historia y como influyó todo eso en la historia que creó JK Rowling. Sin duda ha sido muy instructivo ^^
También trae muchas curiosidades, imágenes inéditas de los primeros bocetos de Harry Potter y también algunos de los borradores que nunca llegaron a estar dentro de los libros. Eso sí, todo eso viene en inglés (en la versión española). Creo que para los que no puedan leer en inglés pierde un poco la magia de lo que están enseñando... es el único fallo que le puedo poner al libro. Yo por suerte he podido leerlo todo y ha sido una experiencia fabulosa :)
Recomiendo este libro muchísimo, es de lo más interesante que vais a leer en mucho tiempo.
February 2, 2018
I was unable to attend the exhibition at the British Library on the occasion of the twentieth year since the 1997 release of the first Harry Potter volume. Well, a book about Harry Potter and magic, you say? Isn't a companion book on magic a bit redundant? Well, you have a point, but this is a lovely illustrated coffee table (paperback, which is to say affordable) commemorative version, the primary audience (appropriately, I guess) young people, illustrated by the two central (and both wonderful, in different ways) Potter World illustrators, Jim Kay and Olivia Gill. And it highlights all the magic in the books, of course, and yes, can be consulted as you read or reread, which will be fun for me to do at some point.
Unable to afford (or attain at all, even if I could afford it) the limited release hardcover edition with what I expect will be a somewhat broader focus, I patiently await my name to come up for it in the library queue, will read and review it and tell you whether it will be worthwhile checking out, but I bet it will. Of course there appears to be a paperback version of it available as well. So much to do!
Unable to afford (or attain at all, even if I could afford it) the limited release hardcover edition with what I expect will be a somewhat broader focus, I patiently await my name to come up for it in the library queue, will read and review it and tell you whether it will be worthwhile checking out, but I bet it will. Of course there appears to be a paperback version of it available as well. So much to do!
April 30, 2019
In 2017 'The British Library' mounted an exhibition called "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter novel. This is a companion book to the library's presentation. Harry Potter fans will find much to like in this tribute, which is BEAUTIFUL to look at and FUN to read.
The book contains a variety of wonderful tidbits related to the Harry Potter series. Examples follow.
The volume contains original sketches by J.K. Rowling, drawn while she was writing the books. These include: the Hogwarts school and grounds (including the Giant Squid and the Whomping Willow); Harry and the Dursleys (I love this one - Dudley is a mini-Vernon); Harry and his friends (Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Gary....who was later renamed Dean); Professor Sprout and her magic plants; Argus Filch (looking exceptionally creepy); Nearly Headless Nick (showing why he's 'nearly headless'); Professor Snape; and more.
The book also has copies of original manuscript pages by J.K. Rowling, featuring: annotated handwritten and typed pages from 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'; emended pages from 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'; an edited handwritten copy of the 'Sorting Hat' song; a handwritten story from 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'; and others.
Also included are Rowling's handwritten lists of classes and teachers at Hogwarts and a detailed plan (in chart form) for 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'
All this shows a little of Rowling's 'writing process', which is interesting and instructive.
*****
The book has numerous GORGEOUS drawings by Jim Kay, illustrator for the illustrated editions of Harry Potter. These pictures include: Professor Dumbledore; Professor McGonagall; a busy Platform Nine and Three-Quarters; Professor Snape; Fluffy (the three-headed dog); Professor Sprout (surrounded by mandrakes); Diagon Alley; a Hippogriff; Aragog (the giant spider); Fawkes (the phoenix); winged keys; and many many more.
*****
The publication features examples of books, objects, and factoids that relate to 'magic', like: a bezoar stone in a gold filigree case; a cauldron from 800 B.C.; an actual mandrake root (this looks exactly like a little person); medieval books about herbology and potions; a medieval witch's broom owned by Olga Hunt of Manaton - who allegedly rode it during the full moon; an Arabic astrolabe (used by ancient astronomers to chart the night sky); a witch's scrying mirror (used for divination); a fortune telling cup and saucer (for tea leaves); magic wands; illustrations of constellations; names of stars; and innumerable others.
Snippets from - and anecdotes about - the Harry Potter stories are linked with the things mentioned above - to demonstrate how they may have inspired Rowling.
*****
There are also miscellaneous engaging segments scattered through the book, such as: Nicholas Flamel (featured in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone') was a real person; a man called George Ripley wrote a book about how to make a Philosopher's Stone (which apparently didn't work because he died in 1490); many modern medicines are based on plants (digoxin, quinine, aspirin); Leonardo DaVinci wrote notes in mirror handwriting (which reads from right to left); people once believed that the smell of a weasel could kill a basilisk; and lots more.
*****
Lastly , the book includes suggested activities for children (with instructions), such as: how to make a color-changing potion; how to make flowers change color; how to make a charmed banana (sliced inside it's intact skin); and how to find the lines on your palm (for palm reading).
I'm a big Harry Potter fan and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it to fans of the series, both kids and adults.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 13, 2025
This was such a fun, nostalgic immersion back within the walls of Hogwarts. In its in-depth explanation of Rowling's mind as she envisioned the books as she wrote them, it reminded me why I fell in love with the series all over again. I've read MANY behind-the-scenes Harry Potter books, but this still managed to have new tidbits and surprises waiting for me. The addition of first drafts, manuscript pages, and even handwritten pages by Rowling, it was very special to comb through in these pages.
December 15, 2017
4.5
I'm going to be honest, I think that if I read pretty much ANYTHING Harry Potter that I would like it. Even if it sucked pretty hardcore, I would probably like it to some degree. Anytime I am able to be back in the Harry Potter world, I am a happy girl.
This book is a really cool mash-up of Harry Potter and history. I like that aspect because it really emphasizes how much thought and research went into the creation of the Harry Potter world. The book also includes hand-written excerpts from the Harry Potter novels, some of which detail scenes that are not even included in the final novel. Needless to say, some pretty intense fan-girling was taking place while reading this book.
My only grievance is that some of the pages seem a little empty. As in, a few pages include really huge quotes from the novels to take up space. While I liked that in a way because the book wasn't too crammed, I feel that there could have been a little more included.
Overall: Awesome.
I'm going to be honest, I think that if I read pretty much ANYTHING Harry Potter that I would like it. Even if it sucked pretty hardcore, I would probably like it to some degree. Anytime I am able to be back in the Harry Potter world, I am a happy girl.
This book is a really cool mash-up of Harry Potter and history. I like that aspect because it really emphasizes how much thought and research went into the creation of the Harry Potter world. The book also includes hand-written excerpts from the Harry Potter novels, some of which detail scenes that are not even included in the final novel. Needless to say, some pretty intense fan-girling was taking place while reading this book.
My only grievance is that some of the pages seem a little empty. As in, a few pages include really huge quotes from the novels to take up space. While I liked that in a way because the book wasn't too crammed, I feel that there could have been a little more included.
Overall: Awesome.
July 15, 2021
Absolutely adored this book! I would recommend this to all the Potterheads out there who just couldn’t get enough of this magical world.
This book shows various references made by JK Rowling in writing the book. It also shows JK Rowling’s hand written notes and her illustrations as well. For instance Nicholas Flamel was a real person and was known to be a landlord and a bookseller( definitely not an alchemist who possessed the powers of the philosopher’s stone! ).
Besides all this, the illustrations are just…. no words can describe them! I love Jim Kay’s artwork especially the one ofNearly headless Nick Sir Nicholas De Mimsy-Porpington .
“Hagrid is a relief to draw because drawing children you can’t put a line wrong, a misplaced scribble can age a child by ten years. There are no such problems with Hagrid: he’s a mass of scribbles with eyes.”
-Jim Kay.
This book shows various references made by JK Rowling in writing the book. It also shows JK Rowling’s hand written notes and her illustrations as well. For instance Nicholas Flamel was a real person and was known to be a landlord and a bookseller( definitely not an alchemist who possessed the powers of the philosopher’s stone! ).
Besides all this, the illustrations are just…. no words can describe them! I love Jim Kay’s artwork especially the one of
“Hagrid is a relief to draw because drawing children you can’t put a line wrong, a misplaced scribble can age a child by ten years. There are no such problems with Hagrid: he’s a mass of scribbles with eyes.”
-Jim Kay.
November 30, 2017
Having bought the ‘adult’ version, I wasn’t going to get this one, thinking erroneously that it wouldn’t be as good. Silly really because I enjoyed it as much! At the base of it, the information is fundamentally the same but the layout has been adapted for a ‘younger’ audience in a very smart and beautiful way that people of all ages can appreciate.
Once more you get details for all the subjects taught at Hogwarts, using documents and artefacts from the British Library and other private collections. Many of Jim Kay and Olivia Gill’s beautiful illustrations are included too, but what impressed me were Rowling’s sketches. Somehow I missed the extent of her skill in the other book, while here they are showcased more prominently.
Once more you get details for all the subjects taught at Hogwarts, using documents and artefacts from the British Library and other private collections. Many of Jim Kay and Olivia Gill’s beautiful illustrations are included too, but what impressed me were Rowling’s sketches. Somehow I missed the extent of her skill in the other book, while here they are showcased more prominently.
September 14, 2020
4.5 stars
December 30, 2017
A great companion read for lovers of the Harry Potter series. This book goes through JK Rowling's inspirations for elements of her world building, taking us through the curriculum at Hogwarts, the characters and magical instruments used throughout.
It includes sketches done by JK Rowling herself, showing us exactly what she pictured her characters to look like. It also has early drafts of certain chapters with all of the editing notes and her handwritten plans for the series. Her mind just works in the most amazing way, and it's great to get a glance into it.
I find the stories behind how it came to be published fascinating, as this is undoubtedly the biggest publishing success story of all time.
It includes sketches done by JK Rowling herself, showing us exactly what she pictured her characters to look like. It also has early drafts of certain chapters with all of the editing notes and her handwritten plans for the series. Her mind just works in the most amazing way, and it's great to get a glance into it.
I find the stories behind how it came to be published fascinating, as this is undoubtedly the biggest publishing success story of all time.
Want to read
October 20, 2017Just picked this up at my local bookstore....perfection! I can't wait to read each page. It's absolutely beautiful and a wonderful companion to the wizarding world of HP
November 27, 2017
While I loved the tidbits from JK Rowling and found the historical facts of magic and witchcraft fascinating, I would love to understand the magical world, which Harry lives better. Like, where is that encyclopedia/History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot we all want??
But again, this is really beautiful and for someone who can't afford the illustrated editions, I was charmed by the beautiful drawings. My favorite has to be the Diagon Alley one.
But again, this is really beautiful and for someone who can't afford the illustrated editions, I was charmed by the beautiful drawings. My favorite has to be the Diagon Alley one.
May 7, 2018
If you are like me and love Harry Potter, I suggest this book. It gives a great background on JK Rowling and has many of her drawings and planning of the books in it. It's awesome sauce.
December 6, 2019
The family/child version of the book: Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
So happy I finally finished this one and the other book. I got these in 2017(Christmas), but since I was going to the exhibit in February 2018 (my hubby organised it as a birthday surprise) I didn't want to spoil it. After that it was just too soon to read as I still remembered everything. And now? Still remember plenty, but I loved visiting the exhibit again!
This book is essentially the same as the History of Magic book, however there is a big difference. It is more simplified. Whereas the other book is more for adults this one is more for children.
But there are other differences. For instance there are other illustrations and images that pop up, there are biographies for the characters, fun experiments and things to try at home (which I absolutely loved and I am sure kids will love to try them out as well), and plenty of more that will keep you interested for the entire book.
I had so much fun reading this one. While I read the books back to back, I wasn't bored once while reading. This book just has a different tone, less serious, more playful than the other that made it a whole different read for me. It gave a different view to the exhibition and I loved it.
I would highly recommend this one to Harry Potter and magic fans everywhere. For the adults, be sure to grab both books, believe me you won't be disappointed.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So happy I finally finished this one and the other book. I got these in 2017(Christmas), but since I was going to the exhibit in February 2018 (my hubby organised it as a birthday surprise) I didn't want to spoil it. After that it was just too soon to read as I still remembered everything. And now? Still remember plenty, but I loved visiting the exhibit again!
This book is essentially the same as the History of Magic book, however there is a big difference. It is more simplified. Whereas the other book is more for adults this one is more for children.
But there are other differences. For instance there are other illustrations and images that pop up, there are biographies for the characters, fun experiments and things to try at home (which I absolutely loved and I am sure kids will love to try them out as well), and plenty of more that will keep you interested for the entire book.
I had so much fun reading this one. While I read the books back to back, I wasn't bored once while reading. This book just has a different tone, less serious, more playful than the other that made it a whole different read for me. It gave a different view to the exhibition and I loved it.
I would highly recommend this one to Harry Potter and magic fans everywhere. For the adults, be sure to grab both books, believe me you won't be disappointed.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 9, 2018
This is an amazing full-color look at the history behind the book series and also a glimpse at the writing process. As a research nerd myself, I am drawn to this fictional world because so much of it is based on medieval science, folklore and mythology. I especially love the images and descriptions of the rare books describing alchemy, magic charms, creatures and more. I was aware of the Philosopher's Stone (I detest the American translations) and early alchemists but have never seen any of these rare books and manuscripts. Coming in a very close second are the handwritten notes and drawings by J.K. Rowling showing the writing and revising process. The beginning of Philosopher's Stone was originally quite different and it's incredible how some editing and revising changed the story and made it more powerful and exciting.
Also included are Jim Kay's color illustrations of Hogwarts people, magical creatures, Diagon Alley and the world of Harry Potter. Jim Kay's style is not quite how I imagine Harry's world but the illustrations are beautiful. I especially like the winged keys from Philosopher's Stone and the phoenix.
There's so much jam packed into this slim book. I wish I could have seen the exhibition but for those of us who couldn't make it, this book is the next best thing. If you don't particularly like the stories but are interested in the history of magic, this book would also appeal to you. If you only like the movies and haven't read the books, give this book a browse and see what you think.
Also included are Jim Kay's color illustrations of Hogwarts people, magical creatures, Diagon Alley and the world of Harry Potter. Jim Kay's style is not quite how I imagine Harry's world but the illustrations are beautiful. I especially like the winged keys from Philosopher's Stone and the phoenix.
There's so much jam packed into this slim book. I wish I could have seen the exhibition but for those of us who couldn't make it, this book is the next best thing. If you don't particularly like the stories but are interested in the history of magic, this book would also appeal to you. If you only like the movies and haven't read the books, give this book a browse and see what you think.
Read
August 18, 2021I have a number of Harry Potter related books on my shelves and am in the process of reading them all before I donate them. Unfortunately, this author is one I no longer support and owning her books no longer bring me any joy or feelings of nostalgia. I spent money on these products so did want to give them a read before dismissing them from my life.
This is a creation by the British Library and was, I believe, produced to coincide with their Harry Potter exhibit. I found the contents a bit disjointed and much of the text that primarily focused on Harry Potter provided no new knowledge for even the most half-hearted of fans. That being said, the text that informed the reader about the real-world equivalents for many aspects in the series - such as cauldrons, mandrakes, and Nicolas Flamel - were very interesting to read.
This was a nicely produced book. It was fun to flick through and I liked the inclusion of Jim Kay illustrations as well as original mixed media, such as Rowling's own artwork, the original synopsis, chapter drafts in Rowling's own handwriting, and letters from fans.
This is a creation by the British Library and was, I believe, produced to coincide with their Harry Potter exhibit. I found the contents a bit disjointed and much of the text that primarily focused on Harry Potter provided no new knowledge for even the most half-hearted of fans. That being said, the text that informed the reader about the real-world equivalents for many aspects in the series - such as cauldrons, mandrakes, and Nicolas Flamel - were very interesting to read.
This was a nicely produced book. It was fun to flick through and I liked the inclusion of Jim Kay illustrations as well as original mixed media, such as Rowling's own artwork, the original synopsis, chapter drafts in Rowling's own handwriting, and letters from fans.
December 23, 2017
Fun collection, great for fans of Harry Potter who won't be able to visit the exhibition in the British Library in the foreseeable future. I'm a big enough fan to have read all of the books and seen all of the movies so this book had added details that I was not aware of. For the super fan this may be information that they are already privy to. I found it interesting.
January 21, 2019
Harry Potter: A Journey Through A History of Magic is a really cool behind the scenes look at one of my all time favorite series. I loved reading about all of the real life historical elements. I wish I could have visited the special exhibition at the British Library because that truly would have been awesome!
October 28, 2017
What a beautiful book. The illustrations are wonderful. The inside facts about how certain elements were created is a great touch.
February 22, 2023
Este libro es mágico y hermoso, nos cuentan más sobre toda la profundidad de los elementos que Rowling utilizó para crear este maravilloso mundo, tiene imágenes de los manuscritos de los libros, la historia detrás de los dragones, las mandrágoras, las clases.
Creo que lo más hermoso de este libro no solo es esa emoción que siempre me genera leer o tener en mis manos algo de Harry Potter, si no, lo lindo que está ilustrado, es una obra de arte.
Creo que lo más hermoso de este libro no solo es esa emoción que siempre me genera leer o tener en mis manos algo de Harry Potter, si no, lo lindo que está ilustrado, es una obra de arte.
October 24, 2017
Loved seeing where Rowling drew her inspiration and how she created this amazing world.
June 4, 2021
Me encantó el libro! Tiene muchísimos datos inéditos del mundo de Harry Potter, como capítulos que no se agregaron, correcciones de J.K.Rowling, cómo se fue construyendo la historia, una carta del guionista de las películas e ilustraciones originales que hizo la escritora cuando estaba imaginándose la historia en su cabeza. Todo esto relacionado con un poco de historia de la magia que pudo haber influido en la autora para escribir HP. Sin dudas un libro que si o si deben leer todos los fans de la saga. Recomendadísimo.
April 30, 2021
4 estrellas solo porque hay info de la t4rf, pero en general me encantó el libro es súper educativo y quedé en shock con que las mandragoras son reales
June 5, 2021
Uzivala sam u ovoj knjizici, posebno u njenim ilustracijama. Mogu samo da zamislim kako izgledaju ilustrovana izdanja Hari Potera! :))
March 14, 2018
Jako jo, milá knížka... jestli jste praví potterheadi, asi byste si ji měli přečíst.
Jestli jste ještě pravější potterheadi, tak většinu z těch obrázků a čmáranic od JKR už jste viděli kdysi dávno předávno na jejích prapůvodních webových stránkách, kde se daly najít v různých schovávačkách. Ale to už je asi tisíc let, takže počítám, že moc takových lidí není, nebo si to nepamatujou :D
A ano, uznávám, že tam bylo pár i opravdu nikdy neviděných věcí. Nebo věcí, které jsem si nepamatovala já :D A zajímavostí z kouzelného světa. A krásné ilustrace. A je zajímavé to vidět takhle po kupě. Ještě zajímavější by bylo, myslím, vidět tu výstavu.
Jestli jste ještě pravější potterheadi, tak většinu z těch obrázků a čmáranic od JKR už jste viděli kdysi dávno předávno na jejích prapůvodních webových stránkách, kde se daly najít v různých schovávačkách. Ale to už je asi tisíc let, takže počítám, že moc takových lidí není, nebo si to nepamatujou :D
A ano, uznávám, že tam bylo pár i opravdu nikdy neviděných věcí. Nebo věcí, které jsem si nepamatovala já :D A zajímavostí z kouzelného světa. A krásné ilustrace. A je zajímavé to vidět takhle po kupě. Ještě zajímavější by bylo, myslím, vidět tu výstavu.
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