Illustrations by J.K. Rowling, Jim Kay, and Olivia Lomenech Gill.

"This book is based on the British Library exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic"--Title page verso.

"A collection of artifacts from the British Library exhibition in the UK Harry Potter, A History of Magic"--Front cover.

"British Library"--Front cover.

The magical world of Harry Potter -- The journey -- Potions and alchemy -- Herbology -- Charms -- Astronomy -- Divination -- Defence against the dark arts -- Care of magical creatures -- Past, present, future -- The British Library -- J. K. Rowling.

"As the British Library unveils a very special new exhibition in the UK, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, readers everywhere are invited on an enchanting journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, from Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology to Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and more in this book uncovering thousands of years of magical history. Prepare to be amazed by artifacts released from the archives of the British Library, unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, and incredible illustrations from artist Jim Kay. Discover the truth behind the origins of the Philosopher's Stone, monstrous dragons, and troublesome trolls; examine real-life wands and find out what actually makes a mandrake scream; pore over remarkable pages from da Vinci's notebook; and discover the oldest atlas of the night sky. Carefully curated by the British Library and full of extraordinary treasures from all over the world, this is an unforgettable journey exploring the history of the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories."--Cover flap.