Harry Potter – A History Of Magic (the Book Of The Exhibition)

By (author) British Library; By (author) Library, British
Description
Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the record-breaking British Library exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and a team of brilliant curators. As the spectacular show takes up residence at the New York Historical Society from October 2018, this gorgeous book – available in paperback for the first time – takes readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from Astronomy and Potions 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. This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.
Biographical note
This richly researched and fascinating exploration of magical history is written by the British Library’s curatorial team and essayists Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake.
Promotional headline
Beautiful design, magical Jim Kay illustrations and unseen treasures from J.K. Rowling’s own archive combine in this unique souvenir of the British Library’s much anticipated exhibition - now available in paperback!
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A lasting memento of the record-breaking British Library exhibition, which is moving to the New York Historical Society from 5 October 2018
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Now available in a beautifully produced, accessibly priced paperback format
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Features fascinating gems from the British Library archives and illustrations from J.K. Rowling’s own collection
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Peppered with exclusive insights and commentary from the British Library’s respected curators, it also features nine new short essays by high-profile contributors, showcasing and exploring the subject area
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Gorgeously designed, with glossy photography, quotations from the Harry Potter stories and wonderful illustrations by Jim Kay
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Produced in association with the British Library, and filled with a treasure trove of breathtaking content