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pleasejustletmeread's review against another edition
4.0
It's always great to get more insight in a universe that you love, a universe that has been a big part of your life for the past 20 years now. Beautifully done, but I miss a word or two from the Queen herself, J. K. Rowling.
jwillis81's review against another edition
3.0
I was really excited to check this book out when it was announced, and Natalie Dormer is a fantastic narrator, so I was eager to read it at the start. What I didn't realize was how much the book is tied in to the museum exhibit, to the point where the audiobook references actual pieces from the exhibit and places to visit while you're in the exhibit, which we obviously can't see or experience in an audio format. I'm not sure if there are photos or other media in the physical book, but it was very frustrating to listen to an audio conversation about an object I couldn't see myself. It read more like a guided tour of a museum I wasn't actually visiting than a nonfiction work analyzing Rowling's influences when writing the books. It was interesting at times, but ultimately felt like a promotional piece for the museum exhibit rather than a standalone work meant to expand the Harry Potter universe.
krissyranae's review against another edition
5.0
If you're a Harry Potter fan, I highly recommend picking up Harry Potter: A History of Magic in both the book form _and_ the audiobook form, and then listening to the audiobook while you flip through the pages. It's like being on a museum tour, but in your house, and Natalie Dormer is the docent.
hmhurst's review against another edition
5.0
Originally started with just the Audible book. I ended up purchasing the physical book so that I could see all of the things they were referencing. I think they go very well together.
lilbookdreamer's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this read. I was a little wary when I began (even skipping the forward and skimming the introduction) but once I got into the main meat and potatoes of the book, oh boy I was hooked. As someone who loves both history and Harry Potter, this was right up my alley. I found myself gobbling up every little fact, every manuscript, draft, art piece, and doodle. It was so fun to see a lot of the making and behind the scenes of the books and also see the real life inspiration for a lot of things that are in the series. Would highly recommend this to any diehard Harry Potter fan!
fredlanthier's review against another edition
5.0
It was so interesting to read about the links between real world and the world of Harry Potter! (I mean, I’m pretty sure Harry Potter world also exists, even if I never got my Hogwarts acceptance letter)
Great drawings from JK Rowling, made me want to read the books again :)
Great drawings from JK Rowling, made me want to read the books again :)
dolcezzina21's review against another edition
4.0
Love Natalie Dormer and Harry Potter and enjoyed this tidbit from the exhibition I missed at NY Historical Society. I wasn't interested enough to pick up the entire History of Magic book on audio though.
noajasmine's review against another edition
5.0
This book is insane! It just goes to show how much research and dedication J.K. Rowling put into creating the world of Harry Potter. It was such an interesting read