Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic

I love everything about the world of Harry Potter! I have hardbacks of each of the original series (some also in Spanish!), have each of the standalone "text books" originally released, the play script and screenplay and have purchased all of the illustrated editions as they have been released and have started reading them to my 2-year old. Suffice it to say... I'm a huge fan and not afraid to spend some money to own more stuff from this world. That being said, I will admit that when I first saw this... I hesitated buying a copy. For starters, it's listed as "paperback" and I questioned the quality/durability. Also, I really wasn't sure what to expect as this is a collection of stuff, but not really anything NEW by Rowling. **But when I saw this in a local store, I was impressed by the THICK CARDSTOCK cover and decided that I really DID want to have it added to my collection. It's much more durable than a "paperback" book and is more on par with the quality of a "coffee table" book, so don't be turned off by this detail!*** I was not disappointed! It's colorful, it has both familiar stuff (artwork from the illustrated editions) plus brand new things (handwritten notes, sketches and many other things from Rowling). I've re-read through all of the original stuff some many times (and still love it every time) but it was to have something "new" to enjoy for the first time again.

I’m an avid HP fan, as so many are! This book is fascinating. It has original, handwritten manuscrips by Rowling and some original sketches she created. It goes into the history behind some of the characters, plants, potions, and historically based ideas that were referenced in the book. It’s a GORGEOUS book. As an illustrator/graphic designer, this book is so very well illustrated and designed. I checked it out from my library as soon as it came in. I loved it so much that I ended up purchasing one for myself. I can see myself reading this and soaking in the illustrations for many years to come. The price is astonishing. It’s worth more than what I paid, IMO!

I was quite fascinated with this book and was enlightened with everything that bad to do with magic. I enjoyed very much reading about the beginnings of such a wonderful book of Harry Potter. There may actually be some (very few) who didn't like the books. WHO?? Since the first book came out, I have been grabbing anything that has do with the books & the magic. I haven't been bored. The research Rowling must of bad to go through to write such a wonderful & enjoyable series... It definitely opened my mind and what a great way of learning..which I hope will never stop. I hope this beautiful author never stops writing...

I fond this book interesting, thought it is not what I expected. I expected something along the lines of fun "textbooks" like "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" or "Quidditch through the Ages". Instead, this is a somewhat more serious, academic by the British Library that looks at the Harry Potter books and inspiration for various ideas and characters. The book includes examples of Rowling's first drafts of different books, background on "magical herbs" and background on historic "witches and wizards" etc. Some of the discussion and short essays goes back into the origins of various "magical elements" into the 15 and 1600s. There is also some original artwork of the various characters.

As an avid Harry Potter fan, I continue to be impressed by J.K. Rowling's created world. This book gives readers a deeper understanding of the magic involved in the story. The book is filled with illustrations by Jim Kay and J.K. Rowling as well as unseen excerpts from Rowling's manuscripts. This book explores how the Series got its start, the core subjects required of Hogwarts students, character profiles, a history of Hogwarts, and so much more! A must read for all Harry Potter fans!

I originally purchased this book for my Kindle. In the electronic version I was unable to zoom in and see everything so I decided to purchase this version. I am so happy I did so! The large scale is perfect and I just love all of the rich images and descriptive information.

Nice! This book is similar to the other History of Magic book, but it's more fun and visual so probably intended for a younger, more Harry Potter-focused fan and less on the adult museum goer. But I have both and I like them both; there's plenty of separate information. This book focuses more on the curriculum at Hogwarts, how JK Rowling created it, and various aspects of real life that can be found in it. It's really fun and interesting! You can see my review for the "adult" History of Magic exhibit companion book here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3LWC0UZD37I1R/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

It's a really cool activity book for kids who love the books and movies. I didn't know it was a juvenile version of the UK hardback edition however. It is missing essays, lot's of information, and artifacts when you compare this to the Bloomsbury hardback edition (I purchased it after getting this copy in the mail). Moral of the story, it's a great book for kids, but not adults.

The book had great pictures and interesting facts. Arrived quickly and in perfect condition.

This is a curious book, as everything about Harry Potter is curious. But it is a very good and much appreciated book as well. It takes you through the history of magic. In that sense it is actually a great reference for those interested in historical topics and myths. The book makes an ideal great gift for muggles and budding wizards alike that want to solidify their base knowledge about magic. The 144 page book is filled with colourful illustrations and art. So it is all very nicely presented. This makes it a great addition to our daughter’s growing Harry potter collection and book shelf in particular. The book addresses ancients myths and mythical creatures, astronomers, mermaids, unicorns, medieval witchcraft and alchemy - all of course tying into to Harry’s world of magic. There is a whole background story about dragons and brooms. Then there are detailed explanations about Hogwarts classes like the Defence Against the Dark Arts, Divination and Herbs. Furthermore there are sketches and manuscripts from the grand wizard herself; J.K Rowling as well. So it is really a very rich, complete book. The book includes interactive instruction to create your own ‘magical ‘ potion like invisible ink as well. My Potter-crazed daughter wrote me a letter with this and I can confirm the text was absolutely invisible, as the included picture demonstrates. Note that it it was produced along with the British Library to support the exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic, we sadly missed that. However there was also a tv documentary that can be found online.

This book is like an encyclopaedia for Potterheads with the background of various ideas and theories propogated in the books, raw u edited texts written by J K Rowling herself and other factoids and historical facts about magical objects and practices. An amazing read overall

Muy buena compra, indispensable para cualquier fan de Harry Potter. Las ilustraciones son preciosas.

The book arrived in 3 days. Well printed, many different illustrations, and very interestingly written. The perfect gift for Harry Potter fans