Harry Potter: A History of Magic cover art

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

An Audio Documentary

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Harry Potter: A History of Magic

By: Pottermore Publishing, Ben Davies
Narrated by: Natalie Dormer
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About this listen

The history of magic is as long as time and as wide as the world. In every culture, in every age, in every place and, probably, in every heart, there is magic.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic reveals some of the hidden stories behind real-world magic and explores some of J.K. Rowling's magical inventions alongside their folkloric, cultural and historical forebears.

Narrator Natalie Dormer and a host of experts will take you on an audio journey like no other; from ancient China, to a 14th-century apothecary's shop, on to the Salem witch trials and beyond. They delve into a rich body of writings about magic and explore intriguing artefacts to bring to life deep-rooted ideas of mysticism from around the world.

Along the way, you can listen for handy tips on how to capture a basilisk, make yourself invisible or create your very own philosopher's stone. You'll hear about the dozens of drafts and drawings that went into J.K. Rowling's writing process and enjoy exclusive interviews with Jim Dale, Stephen Fry and illustrator Jim Kay, who all share their experiences of working on these incredible stories.

The extraordinary and thought-provoking tales in this audiobook are perfect for anyone who wants to know a little more about magic and the wizarding world.

Music composed by Patrick Neil Doyle

Sound effects licensed from ProSound Effects

©2018 J.K. Rowling/Pottermore Ltd. (P)2018 J.K. Rowling/Pottermore Ltd. Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths History Magic Science & Technology World Middle Ages Magic Users Fiction Wizardry Fantasy

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Listen to clips from this book

Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Divination: Ready for a lesson in real-world Divination? Take a seat, Trelawney.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Charms: What are the origins of the word Abracadabra?
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Herbology: Earmuffs away—you won’t need them for this real-world lesson on Mandrakes.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Potions: Unicorn horns have long been used in potions and medicines.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Defense Against the Dark Arts: What is the significance of the wand?
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Divination: Ready for a lesson in real-world Divination? Take a seat, Trelawney.
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Charms: What are the origins of the word Abracadabra?
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Herbology: Earmuffs away—you won’t need them for this real-world lesson on Mandrakes.
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Potions: Unicorn horns have long been used in potions and medicines.
  • Harry Potter: A History of Magic
  • Defense Against the Dark Arts: What is the significance of the wand?

A message from Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer invites you to take an audio journey through the history of real-life magic.
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Did you visit the British Library exhibition A History of Magic?

I did and loved it. First hand, you got to see our country's magical history, from spellbooks to broomsticks. You'll see links between actual people, events and beliefs that are reflected in Rowling's incredible world.

This is what you get with this book.

Don't read it expecting it to be a world of Hogwarts fantasy. It is based on fact. It is non-fiction rather than fiction. And if you have an interest in this kind of thing, you'll love it. You don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy it but it does open up his world to our reality for you if you do.

I knocked a point off because I wasn't terribly engaged and haven't finished it.

The Reality of a Legend

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Great insight to the background of the HP books and a good accompaniment to anybody who went to the exhibition, but there are a few contributors who definitely shouldn't be on an audiobook - and that gets a bit annoying after a while.

Great insight, but some really poor contributors

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I was expecting an audio version of Professor Bathilda Bagshot’s book we all know. Well it isn’t but what it is, is a educational, insightful and delightful treat.

From the narration by the wonderful Natalie Dormer, to the interviews with experts, artists and other narrators of the Harry Potter books, we find out about the real history of magic! This is a rich history that has influenced our world and the Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling. J.K. has done her home work and this is what helps make the Potter books the wonder they are.

So sit back, relax and enjoy finding out about the history of magic (and Harry Potter).

P.S. I loved it.

Not what I was expecting!! But what a pleasant surprise.

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feel it was written to be a video they refer to drawings and portraits and other visual aids. I was expecting a school textbook like fantastic beasts. would of liked it to be the textbook referenced in harry potter. writing this at 10 mins in

skip to 43 min mark. to get something but...

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Thoroughly disappointed by this. I had expected more about Harry Potter, but it uses this more as a springboard to discuss magic through the ages.

Not worth the credit in my opinion - I will be returning it.

Not what I expected

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I absolutely love this book, not only about Harry Potter but adding real historic events, people and even historical Kings etc. I am obsessed with history especially Tudor history, I Loved the hints of tudor history in here AND the cherry on the top this audio book is narrated by Natalie Dormer who played an amazing Anne Boleyn in The Tudors series!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!! HIGHLY recommended!!!!!!

Addictive and facinating!!!

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Absolutely loved learning about the real history of magic and influences on the Harry Potter world. The majority of the narrators and experts were fantastic. They were informatiVe and enthusiastic about their subject matter and it really drew your attention. The description of the exhibitions was thorough so I could picture what was being described against what I saw when I went to the exhibition. The only negative was that I struggled to hear one of the experts as they spoke in a low quiet voice-almost a whisper- and the recording didn't compensate for it. Other than that, completely amazing

Amazing book, engaging and informative

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Found it mildly interesting, mainly how Rowling took many existing myths and amalgamated them in HP. Not for everyone.

Mildly interesting

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A lot of people have complained the book wasn't what they expected but if you know what you are listening to and accept it on its own terms then it is a fascinating listen and Natalie Dormer is an excellent narrator. All the contributers are very engaging actually, you can tell that they have a real passion for their subject.

Loved it

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This audio is of lovely quality and I like that snippets from the Harry Potter audibles and the fantastic beast audible is included. However, these are the best bits. The bulk of this audible is about the REAL history of witchcraft across the globe. I really hoped it would be full of JK Rowling’s imagined “History of Magic” where she tells stories about Nickolas Flamell or imaginary stories of how witches used to simply feel a little tickle when they were burned at the stake. But what this book actually is, is a documentary about how people from hundreds of year ago would practice magic. So I’ve rated the story only two stars because I was personally disappointed. If you enjoy the history of real alchemy and real witch hunting in America then you’ll enjoy this. But don’t buy it if you were hoping for a fun story telling experience like that of Fantastic Beasts. Unfortunately I haven’t even been able to finish this one as it’s so boring.

Not what you expect

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