In the run-up to the exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic, JK Rowling ventures behind the scenes of the British Library, revealing the real-life counterparts to her fantastical world. From shrieking mandrakes and Elizabethan invisibility spells to the mystery of ancient Chinese oracle bones and the real life search for the Philosopher's Stone, it is the start of a warm, playful and inventive journey round some of the most magical places in the land - from wizarding wandmakers in the English forest to the beguiling witchcraft of Boscastle, Cornwall.
The film features readings by actors from the Harry Potter films, including David Thewlis, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis, Miriam Margolyes and Mark Williams, while Rowling's illustrator Jim Kay illuminates her imaginary world. Narrated by Imelda Staunton
Hate that you had to mention that. Not as in, you should not have said that, rather as in, it's sad people have to be reminded that character =/= actor.
Well, but I kind of agree. if she would narrate it in-character (umbridge) it would be kind of weird, but also very interesting. I don't believe I've seen it, but she probably narrates it like a neutral narrator?
You may want to check online.
I feel like DVDs are now old enough, there’s probably no stores with a shipment of it coming in. After all, I found that one at a thrift store.
The fact this is from the BBC, a publicly funded and government owned/operated organization is just... immaculate. Even the crown has recognized.
Sir Harry Potter.
Which raises the question, why is it not Sir Daniel Radcliffe ??!
I have a copy, in considerably better condition. Haven’t had the time to sit down and read it cover to cover, but I’ve skimmed it a bit. There’s some interesting things in it, and fantastic artwork.
Yes, I have a hardback copy of this book. I really enjoyed it, loads of beautiful illustrations and annotations from JK Rowling, as well as lots of interesting information about the inspiration behind aspects of the story. Well worth that price, I’d say!
Its also available for £2.50 on Apple TV, there is also another Harry Potter a history of magic documentary but it focuses on the British library expo think it’s got art detective in the title
Yes, I saw the exhibition! It was pretty epic. I’m interested in occultism aside from Harry Potter, so it was really cool to see artifacts related to it, and the Harry Potter presentation made it fun. I’ve since seen The Ripley Scroll a second time, so, that’s fun.
I know. But imagine actually having the History of Magic book that Hermione always quotes. I would love the read that one, and I may have missunderstood you (if so, sorry), but I thought that was what you reffered to.
It’s a pretty enjoyable read, Staunton is a good narrator, I assume the visuals are just going to be pretty basic illustrations, but sounds like it could be fun. And since you’re buying it at a thrift store, Rowling doesn’t make any money off of it. Call it a win-win.
Wow and narrated by the The Queen…I mean, Umbridge…I mean, Imelda?? That’s definitely good find.