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Harry Potter - A Journey Through A History of Magic Kindle Edition

by British British Library (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,512 ratings
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The official companion book to the British Library exhibition and the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans!

As the British Library unveils a very special new exhibition in the UK, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, readers everywhere are invited on an enchanting journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, from Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology to Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and more in this eBook uncovering thousands of years of magical history.Prepare to be amazed by artifacts released from the archives of the British Library, unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, and incredible illustrations from artist Jim Kay.

Discover the truth behind the origins of the Philosopher's Stone, monstrous dragons, and troublesome trolls; examine real-life wands and find out what actually makes a mandrake scream; pore over remarkable pages from da Vinci's notebook; and discover the oldest atlas of the night sky.

Carefully curated by the British Library and full of extraordinary treasures from all over the world, this is an unforgettable journey exploring the history of the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 years and up
  2. Print length
    144 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    1170L
  6. Publisher
    Pottermore Publishing
  7. Publication date
    October 20, 2017
  8. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  11. Sticky notes
    Not Enabled
  12. ISBN-13
    978-1338267105
  13. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s greatest research libraries. The Library’s collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilization and includes books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, photographs, newspapers, and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. Among the greatest treasures in the Library’s collection are two copies of the Magna Carta from 1215; the Lindisfarne Gospels; Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook; the first edition of the Times (London) from 18 March 1788; manuscripts of the Beatles’ lyrics; and the recording of Nelson Mandela’s speech given at his trial.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B075F6XVM8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pottermore Publishing (October 20, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 20, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 129602 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,512 ratings

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British Library

British Library

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,512 global ratings
Perfect supplement for any Harry Potter fan!
5 Stars
Perfect supplement for any Harry Potter fan!
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.
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Top reviews from the United States

b.g.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect supplement for any Harry Potter fan!
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
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.
Customer image
b.g.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect supplement for any Harry Potter fan!
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2017
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.
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81 people found this helpful
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BlueLightningJeep
5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, informative, fascinating - you do not want to miss this book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
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!
9 people found this helpful
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Miztaz
5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding Reading of Magical History
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2019
Verified Purchase
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...
One person found this helpful
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Michael in Charleston
4.0 out of 5 stars Print is too small and can not be changed
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
First, I like Harry Potter and his author. The format of the book does not display well on my Kindle. The book is electronically published as a exact copy of the original book, not printed as text. The print is very small and the font size can not be changed to make the print bigger.

Update: I purchased a Kindle Fire HD 10 to replace my old Kindle e-reader. The book was much better and easier to read. Color was outstanding.
One person found this helpful
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Bay Quet
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice! This book is similar to the other History ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
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
27 people found this helpful
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Bookapotamus
5.0 out of 5 stars HP Fans - Go get this!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my husband who ONLY reads things by JK Rowling! And secretly because I wanted to check it out as well - big HP fans in this house. The drawing and sketches are AMAZING! Little snippets of secrets and behind the scenes illustrations and tidbits on the history of the books as well as things that you never knew! I've found a renewed sense of love for the HP series and it made me want to go back ans re-read them all over again. A MUST BUY for an HP fan!
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Haley
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect edition to my collection!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is a beautiful book and I am so happy to add it to my Harry Potter collection! I thought I wouldn’t like it being paperback, but it’s beautifully designed and the pages are nice and thick. I love the artifacts and storylines we get to see throughout and, of course, the illustrations by Jim Kay are amazing. I do wish some other things beside those had been added to the book, though, since I’ve already seen all the illustrations from the 3 new illustrated editions of Harry Potter. Overall, one SUPER happy fan!
16 people found this helpful
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Kelso
3.0 out of 5 stars Great for kids, not adults!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
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.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Mary Macdonald
5.0 out of 5 stars Accident
Reviewed in Canada on March 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
Bought it on accident with my moms credit card but don’t regret it the book was great
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deanpaul
5.0 out of 5 stars Mum loves Harry
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
My mums midlife crisis is kicking in like Johnny Wilkinson wearing doc Martins. She loves Potter, she loves this book.
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Yana Vovnianko
5.0 out of 5 stars The book arrived in 3 days.
Reviewed in Sweden on December 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book arrived in 3 days. Well printed, many different illustrations, and very interestingly written. The perfect gift for Harry Potter fans
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Yana Vovnianko
5.0 out of 5 stars The book arrived in 3 days.
Reviewed in Sweden on December 27, 2022
The book arrived in 3 days. Well printed, many different illustrations, and very interestingly written. The perfect gift for Harry Potter fans
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Rohini Pradhan
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it 💖
Reviewed in India on May 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
I am a potter head, and as much as I would like my son to love HP, he could not care less.. So bought this book to try him get into HP but it is me who is totally in love with it. Specially the small notes, author's scribes etc. Makes the connection mich more personal.
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Boa compra
Reviewed in Brazil on July 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
Traz documentos por tras da criação dos livros da série. Ótimo para quem cresceu com as histórias do "menino que sobreviveu".
One person found this helpful
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