Harry Potter – A History of Magic: The Book of the Exhibition

I didn't know much about this book originally, as I hadn't heard or seen much about it... but then I watched the documentary relating to it on TV and that just made me want to buy it. The book arrived today and I must say it by far surpassed any expectations I had. The book is heavy, well made, and pretty beautiful. The hardcover under the dust jacket also has an image of a snake with gold foiling. The entire book is well put together, explanatory and very interesting. It's great to see where jk Rowling got a lot of her ideas and reading about real history and mythology and putting all the magic into a factual context really had me hooked, this book was one I didn't know I was getting or one I thought I needed in my collection, but it magically appeared seemingly out of nowhere and I'm glad it did as its ended up being one of my favourite Harry Potter books. Highly recommend from me.

I collect anything & everything on Harry Potter. This book is a great addition to my collection. It's a very interesting read and well illustrated

This is a beautiful book which shows the depths and magnitude of J.K. Rowling's imagination which seems to know no bounds. This book not only looks at the history of magic but is accompanied by J.K. Rowling's writing journey of Harry Potter. I wish I had been to see the exhibition (no excuse as it is an 1hr train journey away😔) but Google have created this online version which goes brilliantly with the book. A must for all Harry Potter fans!

This book is a must-have not only for every Harry Potter's fan out there, but also for all of those people interested in history, folklore and superstition. Unfortunately I can't go to the real exhibition at the British Library so I decided to purchase the book; and it really surprised me. There are beautiful images and really interesting behind-the-story insights; also, a lot of photos of historical artifacts. The book was in perfect conditions when it arrived (and it traveled from Britain to Italy!). I really recommend it.

This is a wonderful book. It has some excellent drawings, diagrams, notes by JK Rowling., etc.. Not sure it would work if you are a non- fan but then again it is clearly aimed at fans. Anyone interested in the background to the HP story, such as how it was planned and written, will learn a lot. But I have one slight niggle - it is a personal thing but it is the reason I have given it 4 stars. To me, there is a distinct undertone to the message in the text and hence the exhibition. We all love Harry Potter’s world because it is a magical one BUT the people behind the exhibition and the book want us to keep reminding us that it is not real and so keep on emphasising the way that the story links to the rational, scientific world. For example, Alchemy is written about in context as a precursor to modern chemistry - Astronomy is written about with references to modern scientific ideas - and so on. Whilst that may all be true - who cares? I’m not interested in knowing that Alchemy gave rise to chemistry (if it did.) - I’m interested in the Alchemy in Harry Potter because it is a magical practice! Herbology is another example - sure there are many useful chemicals in plants - but this is a story a how wizards use plants, not biochemists. Maybe it’s just me - but it seems a bit too invasive simply to be an accident. I would have liked more magic and less science. But that’s just me!

Beautifully illustrated. For older child/adult

I visited the exhibition itself and wanted a reminder of that beautiful set up. Honestly one of the most thought through exhibitions I've been to. If you do not have time to go see it in person, this book is a perfect solution; It contains everything that was on display apart from the interactive activities and objects.

Great solid book. Very detailed with lots of text & good relevant illustrations. Great present for the HP fan in your life, and nicely complimented both the exhibit itself and the TV program about the same.

Got the book in great condition the book itself was superbe it was more of a history book of the stuff that inspired J.K ROWLING for Harry Potter and the ideas we have of magic in general quite fascinating

This was a gift for my neice who loves Harry Potter. She found it facinating.

El libro llegó el día indicado en muy buenas condiciones, es increíble, trata sobre las cosas en las que se basó Rowling para la historia, personajes, objetos, etc. Está muy bien escrito y las ilustraciones son muy buenas, muy divertido de leer

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A beautiful book with amazing illustrations, excellent quality and interesting content ✨️ Great description of magic through history that is reflected in Harry Potters books. A must have for Wizarding world fans.