Harry Potter And The Journey Through The History Of Magic
Harry Potter has been a cultural phenomenon since the release of the first book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 1997. Since then, the series has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages. The books have been adapted into a film series, which has grossed over $7 billion at the box office. In 2017, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first book's release, the British Library opened an exhibition titled "Harry Potter: A History of Magic".
The Exhibition
The exhibition was curated by the British Library in partnership with J.K. Rowling and her team, and it showcased a wide range of artifacts from the library's collections, as well as from the archives of J.K. Rowling and her publishers. The exhibition was divided into several sections, each one exploring a different aspect of the magical world of Harry Potter.
The History of Magic
The first section of the exhibition was titled "The History of Magic". This section explored the history of magic in the real world, from medieval manuscripts to modern-day grimoires. It also included artifacts from the real-life history of magic, such as a witch's broomstick and a cauldron. This section provided a fascinating insight into the real-world origins of many of the magical concepts in the Harry Potter books.
The Hogwarts Curriculum
The second section of the exhibition was titled "The Hogwarts Curriculum". This section explored the magical subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from Herbology to Care of Magical Creatures. It included artifacts such as textbooks, potions, and magical creatures. This section provided an in-depth look at the magical education of Harry Potter and his friends.
The Magic of J.K. Rowling
The third section of the exhibition was titled "The Magic of J.K. Rowling". This section explored the creative process behind the Harry Potter books, from the earliest notes and drafts to the finished manuscripts. It included artifacts such as original artwork, handwritten notes, and rare editions of the books. This section provided a unique insight into the mind of one of the most successful authors of all time.
Magic in the Real World
The final section of the exhibition was titled "Magic in the Real World". This section explored the real-world beliefs and practices that have inspired magical traditions around the world, from ancient Egyptian mythology to modern-day Wicca. It included artifacts such as talismans, amulets, and divination tools. This section provided a fascinating insight into the continuing allure of magic in the modern world.
Conclusion
The "Harry Potter: A History of Magic" exhibition was a unique and fascinating exploration of the magical world of Harry Potter. From the real-world origins of many of the magical concepts in the books to the creative process behind the series, the exhibition provided a comprehensive look at one of the most beloved cultural phenomena of our time. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, or simply interested in the history and practice of magic, this exhibition is not to be missed.