Published to accompany the British Library's landmark exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic explores the real-world history, folklore, myths, and traditions that inspired the magical world of Harry Potter. The book takes readers on a fascinating journey through subjects taught at Hogwarts, including alchemy, astronomy, herbology, divination, and magical creatures. Featuring rare manuscripts, historical artifacts, illustrations, and original material from J.K. Rowling's archives, it reveals the connections between fantasy and centuries of human knowledge and imagination.