Harry Potter: A History of Magic (American Edition) Hardcover – October 9, 2018

This beautiful volume is one of two official books published in conjunction with the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition that was held at the British Library in London between October 2017–February 2018.A collaboration between the British Library, Bloomsbury (the UK publisher of the Harry Potter series), and J.K. Rowling, the exhibition was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book. Featured were documents and artifacts from the development of the Harry Potter series along with real-world magical artifacts.The book, like the exhibition, includes various sections based on classes taught at Hogwarts (e.g. herbology, divination, care of magical creatures, and so forth). The chapters have images of the artifacts and documents from the exhibition, including a few pages of Harry Potter book drafts, a map of the grounds around Hogwarts, and drawings of characters from the Wizarding World (all created by Rowling)! The documents from Rowling are my favorite; I enjoy being able to see how Rowling herself envisioned Hogwarts and the characters, as the artwork featured in most Harry Potter books was created by artists working for the various book publishers. Just FYI, the number of pages devoted to the history of real-word magic and artifacts does outnumber the Harry Potter stuff.Harry Potter: A History of Magic (ISBN 9781408890769) is the larger of the two books published by Bloomsbury for the exhibition. It is hardcover, geared towards older readers, and because of its size contains more of what was shown in the exhibition. Bloomsbury's second book, Harry Potter - A Journey Through A History of Magic (ISBN 9781408890776) is paperback, smaller, and geared towards families.When the exhibition opened in London, Scholastic (the US publisher of the Harry Potter series) published the smaller family oriented Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic (ISBN 9781338267105) in the United States. I believe the only major difference between the Bloomsbury edition and the Scholastic edition is different cover artwork. The exhibition is going to be opening in New York City in October 2018, and Scholastic will be displaying some of their collection related to publishing the Harry Potter series in the United States. When that exhibition opens, Scholastic will be publishing their own version of the larger Harry Potter: A History of Magic.Because Scholastic will be adapting the larger book for American audiences—more so than they did with the smaller book—I chose to purchase the Bloomsbury edition of the larger book here on Amazon and will purchase the Scholastic edition once it is published as well. I didn't feel I was missing out on any new content by purchasing only the Scholastic edition of the smaller book.

I have no words when it come to the beauty of this book. I’m awe at how amazing the pics are. The real world bits of magical info in it is an intriguing bonus. Amazon asks for an age range I’d recommend. I’d say it varies because each child is different. With my own children I’d say age 6 with adult guidance. I highly recommend this book.

through the eyes of both Muggles and Wizards and Witches.This book is absolutely beautiful and amazing. As a fan of natural history, European history and magical history, this companion to, arguably, one of the best literary works of my generation, is just... - for lack of a better term - magical.I especially love all of the behind the scenes bits from Jo, and the depictions from the various illustrators. I also love that Professor Binns wasn't in charge of narrating, or I might possibly have smudged it up by falling asleep on it. That would be especially bad since, lately, I seem to be getting a great many first edition copies from Amazon, and this book was no exception. I'm even a little sad that it is actually a first edition, since it becomes rather impossible to read or even handle a book that could potentially fetch millions down the road... As Snape says, however... 'I'll do my best.'

If you couldn't quite make it to the exhibition, this is a lovely way to sit near a fire with your familiar and peruse it.Rich with rough drafts and drawings by JK herself, fantastic artwork by Jim Kay, Mary GrandPre and others, it's lovely to look at. Each section also shows historical drawings and objects relating to magical beasts, potions, and more.No, it's not a continuation of the beloved tales, but it's a charming collection nonetheless.

JK's research and knowledge about magical history is outstanding, and this volume supplies many of the sources and artifacts that informed her story and made it credible. To those among us who were already well informed about magical history and practices, this confirms her deep research and knowledge. To those who are not aware of how many historical sources she drew upon, this volume will only deepen your appreciation for her work.I am a very critical reader, and did find one error in this wonderful tome. Page 136; a wooden base orrery is described as octagonal. It is dodecahedron

Daughter loves it

So I purchased this book in order to understand some of the background and history behind the gigantic, full of folklore world of HP and I wasn’t disappointed. The book is very well written with accompanying photographs, manuscripts and detailed illustrations from various artists including extremely rare pieces of art made by J.K Rowling before she became the world’s most notable children’s writer (except that HP books are pretty much for everyone regardless of age lol)The printing quality of the pages is also spot on and the colors are very good.The book is organized very well and gives you a glimpse into the magical world in separated chapters (Herbals, Divination, Dark Arts etc)So if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Don’t hesitate too much and get it for yourself - definitely worth it.

Made for any one who loves the world of Harry Potter, this book has great pictures and is well worth adding to almost any collection.