Complementing the British Library exhibit at the New-York Historical Society, this book covers thousands of years of magic history and the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories which includes the wondrous subjects of the curriculum at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft. The exhibition includes artifacts from the British Library, New-York Historical Society, and other world-renowned institutions and features unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, and illustrations from artists Mary GrandPré, Jim Kay, and Brian Selznick. Discover the truth behind the origins of the Philosopher's Stone and troublesome trolls; examine real-life wands, and discover the oldest atlas of the night sky.

At head of title: Harry Potter. "The official companion to the British Library exhibition at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library." "This book is based on the British Library exhibition at the New-York Historical Society, Harry Potter: A History of Magic"--Title page verso. "British Library"--Cover. "October 2018"--Title page verso. This book has been adapted from the companion to the original British Library exhibition titled: Harry Potter : a journey through the history of magic, c2017. Includes index.

Foreword / Louise Mirrer -- Introduction / Julian Harrison -- The journey -- Potions and alchemy -- Herbology -- Charms -- Astronomy -- Divination -- Defense against the dark arts -- Care of magical creatures -- Past, present, future -- Index of exhibits and credits.