Harry Potter: A History of Magic
In the run-up to the exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic, JK Rowling visits the British Library and reveals the real-life counterparts to her fantastical world.
It is 20 years since JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first cast its spell on readers across the globe. But Rowling's fantastical creation wasn't entirely make-believe.
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.
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Clips
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Avada Kedavra: The Killing Spell
Duration: 01:45
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Many of you will hardly believe this is magic
Duration: 00:41
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J.K. Rowling and the real Philosopher's Stone
Duration: 01:38
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The Wand-makers
Duration: 01:34
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Imelda Staunton |
| Executive Producer | Janet Lee |
| Director | Jude Ho |
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