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

Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book accompanying the British Library exhibition; a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and the brilliant curators of The British Library.

Running from Friday 20th October 2017 to Wednesday 28th February 2018 this is the only exhibition to take you to the heart of magic in the wizarding world from its origins to the practical magic used by Harry Potter and his friends.

This unique book 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. These include 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.

This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world, an irreplaceable memento of the exhibition and the perfect window into the wonder for anyone who misses out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.