The British Library recently announced it was to feature a Harry Potter exhibition in London, set to open in October to mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
To coincide with the opening, The British Library, J.K. Rowling and book publisher Bloomsbury have teamed up to offer two new books. Both titles will be released on October 20th.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the exhibition. It promises to take readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – from Alchemy and Potions classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.
Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition – absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme.
Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon’s blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch’s broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling’s magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears.
Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic is 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 artifacts 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.
These two books are the perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan!
About the Contributor
Emily Winter
Emily is Booktopia's resident eBook Merchandiser and music nerd. Obsessed with all things Harry Potter, dogs, biographical and digital; she occasionally talks too much and worked in customer service in a previous Booktopian life. When she's not obsessing over one of her many loves, she's out taking photos or trying to write self-deprecatingly witty things.
Comments
July 21, 2017 at 10:55 pm
I am so excited to get these books. But also the illustrated edition of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, as it is my favourite book in the series.
https://www.carmensreadingcorner.co.uk
October 29, 2017 at 11:49 pm
What is the difference between the two books?
Is it just one is hard back and the other paper back?
I’m a big Harry potter fan and I watched the programme about the exhibition.
But if they are both the same with that being the only difference, I. Don’t want to go buying both.
Thank you
November 9, 2017 at 8:49 am
Hi Carriena,
The hardcover edition is more of a keepsake gift edition, whereas the paperback is a fun kids format. The same content is in both, just displayed slightly differently to cater to both adults and children.
Thanks, Tanaya.
March 11, 2018 at 9:36 am
Those books would make great gifts for my children, thank you very much for the idea 😀