5 stars
This is a gorgeous book!
I am always hesitant about buying Harry Potter books outside of the ones J.K.Rowling actually wrote. When I was a kid, I collected everything HP, but as an adult, I’ve become more picky (probably because I have to spend my own money now). There are just too many Harry Potter-related books to possibly have all of them.
I saw this at my local library and was interested. After reading three pages, I immediately ordered my own copy.
It is a beautiful book. The book shows various items featured in the British Library exhibition, “Harry Potter: A History of Magic”. While I wish I could visit the actual exhibition, this is the next best thing.
The book includes artwork from the new illustrated editions of the first three books by Jim Kay, various historical items related to witchcraft on display, original drafts of part of the HP books handwritten or typed by J.K.Rowling, and much much more.
This is a great edition to any HP fans library.
While there are tons of amazing pictures in this book, I wouldn’t recommend it for kids because it is so long and text-heavy. I think it is more appropriate for pre-teens and beyond. There are a few fun experiments and activities included, which may appeal to children, but I think it is a bit lengthy for them to enjoy as a whole.
Amazing book. It is so fascinating and beautiful and splendid. Truly spell-binding. I loved it.