Scan barcode
joanna1905's review
4.0
I wasn't too sure what to expect with this book but considering I was never able to visit the London exhibition myself I thought it would be cool to get some insight into the inspiration and roots of the magic of Harry Potter.
It was fascinating to see the way JK was inspired by real folklore and then adapted it to fit her world and give it a bit of an original twist. It's incredible to realize just how meticulous her research was and that this book idea didn't just appear out of thin air but was born from much hard work and research.
My main issue with this book was that I intended to listen to the audiobook (which by the way is BEAUTIFULLY narrated) while also flipping through the book so I could see what images were being referred to. However, I came to realize the audiobook and book aren't quite the same. Whilst the core content is the same the audiobook refers to heaps of images that aren't in the book, but then completely misses some sections. Which was a bit of a frustrating experience. All in all, it wasn't that bad, but I just which I'd known the content wasn't the same as I purposely brought the book so I could read along. I probably still would have brought the book but at least I wouldn't have been disappointed.
This is definitely a cool read for any fans of the series, especially If you never had the chance to visit the exhibition!
It was fascinating to see the way JK was inspired by real folklore and then adapted it to fit her world and give it a bit of an original twist. It's incredible to realize just how meticulous her research was and that this book idea didn't just appear out of thin air but was born from much hard work and research.
My main issue with this book was that I intended to listen to the audiobook (which by the way is BEAUTIFULLY narrated) while also flipping through the book so I could see what images were being referred to. However, I came to realize the audiobook and book aren't quite the same. Whilst the core content is the same the audiobook refers to heaps of images that aren't in the book, but then completely misses some sections. Which was a bit of a frustrating experience. All in all, it wasn't that bad, but I just which I'd known the content wasn't the same as I purposely brought the book so I could read along. I probably still would have brought the book but at least I wouldn't have been disappointed.
This is definitely a cool read for any fans of the series, especially If you never had the chance to visit the exhibition!
rebecanunez's review
4.0
Vi el documental y leí la guía de la exhibición, pero la cantidad de información que suma este libro es impresionante. No solo a la exhibición, sino a el contexto de creación de la saga de HP. Es fantástico leer sobre qué inspiro a Rowling y un montón de historia de la magia en nuestro mundo. Fantástico el elenco, fantástica la narración de Natalie Dorner.
dromwald's review
3.0
Okay, so I suppose the clue was in the title; this was more about how JKR created the Harry Potter universe than a real history of magic. As an example, there are some, admittedly very interesting anecdotes contained within this work that have, at best, very tenuous links to a history of magic. That being said there were a few surprises here and there and I enjoyed it for what it was.
brendanlambourne's review
4.0
I love the way that historical fact is used to explain events throughout the world of Harry Potter. Recommend this book to anyone who loves Harry Potter.
evief_'s review
3.0
Nice! It gives you a lot of background information about a bunch of interesting topics. I can see why Hermione is so obsessed with this book.
marieintheraw's review
3.0
If I had a copy of the physical book along-side my audiobook this may have been perfect, but it was interesting to hear about the literal history of magic nonetheless.
pauline_b's review
4.0
Very interesting and covering various aspects (historical and myths) about magic from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century. The audiobook has a variety of narrators so you never get tired of someone's voice :)
Would recomment to anyone interested in the history of magic or any Harry Potter fan.
Would recomment to anyone interested in the history of magic or any Harry Potter fan.
mehsi's review
5.0
A gorgeous book that will take you through the Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition.
I have had this book in my collection since 2017 (Christmas), but didn't want to read it just yet as I was about to visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition in London on my birthday, or well, I hoped so, my now hubby was keeping very tight lipped about it. Just saying we were going to London for my birthday, which was already a big enough present! And then we went to the exhibition, on my birthday! It was a magical, wonderful, gorgeous exhibition and I didn't want to leave at all. I just wanted to soak it up and stay. But yeah, even now, almost 2 years after, I still remember many of the things at the exhibition. But I wanted to read this book. Wanted to go back to that magical day. Plus, I thought it was high time to read this book. :P
This book comprises of 9 chapters featuring everything that is Harry Potter and of course the history on magic, folklore, magical beasts. From cauldrons to broomsticks to scrolls to potions and plants to well everything, there is a ton that is explored. Each chapter is led by an essay written by a person of interest (though I already forgot what kind of things they were doing, or well 7 of the 9 I forgot, there are two that I remember an astronaut and the guy who made the movies). I have to say I wasn't that interested in these stories, I came here for Harry Potter, for magic, for illustrations and images of the exhibition. Still I read them, and sure some held some interesting and fun parts. I do think that maybe if the font had been bigger I would have enjoyed it much more. Now it was later on the evening and my eyes weren't too happy with the tininess.
But the rest is just wonderful. There is so much to discover, to read, to find out about magic and Harry Potter. I just loved seeing the drafts, see the early illustrations and ideas that Rowling had (and it was even better in real life). It was so interesting to read. I loved that there were added quotes, I remember those were also in the exhibition, they really made everything more fun and magical.
There are also notes from the curators of the exhibition.
Plus, you make my day with the Jim Kay illustrations of the series. He really captures everyone perfectly!
This is an exceptional book that is a must have for any Harry Potter and magic fan.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have had this book in my collection since 2017 (Christmas), but didn't want to read it just yet as I was about to visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition in London on my birthday, or well, I hoped so, my now hubby was keeping very tight lipped about it. Just saying we were going to London for my birthday, which was already a big enough present! And then we went to the exhibition, on my birthday! It was a magical, wonderful, gorgeous exhibition and I didn't want to leave at all. I just wanted to soak it up and stay. But yeah, even now, almost 2 years after, I still remember many of the things at the exhibition. But I wanted to read this book. Wanted to go back to that magical day. Plus, I thought it was high time to read this book. :P
This book comprises of 9 chapters featuring everything that is Harry Potter and of course the history on magic, folklore, magical beasts. From cauldrons to broomsticks to scrolls to potions and plants to well everything, there is a ton that is explored. Each chapter is led by an essay written by a person of interest (though I already forgot what kind of things they were doing, or well 7 of the 9 I forgot, there are two that I remember an astronaut and the guy who made the movies). I have to say I wasn't that interested in these stories, I came here for Harry Potter, for magic, for illustrations and images of the exhibition. Still I read them, and sure some held some interesting and fun parts. I do think that maybe if the font had been bigger I would have enjoyed it much more. Now it was later on the evening and my eyes weren't too happy with the tininess.
But the rest is just wonderful. There is so much to discover, to read, to find out about magic and Harry Potter. I just loved seeing the drafts, see the early illustrations and ideas that Rowling had (and it was even better in real life). It was so interesting to read. I loved that there were added quotes, I remember those were also in the exhibition, they really made everything more fun and magical.
There are also notes from the curators of the exhibition.
Plus, you make my day with the Jim Kay illustrations of the series. He really captures everyone perfectly!
This is an exceptional book that is a must have for any Harry Potter and magic fan.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/