As the book that singlehandedly helped spawn every novel series since, Harry Potter was – and still is – a worldwide phenomenon, loved by millions of people all over the globe, and is one title responsible for gently easing children into a love of reading. But what do you do when the magic is over and you’re still desperate for more wizarding action? Get yourself a copy of this!
Following on from the success of Harry Potter: The Creature Vault comes Harry Potter: Magical Places From The Films – Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Beyond, a must-have for anyone who’s ever asked ‘how did they do that?!’ Published by Titan Books, Magical Places From The Films is the perfect coffee table piece for fans young and old, filled with photographs, original set drawings, behind-the-scenes pictures and snippets of what it was like to work on the set.
Separated into location chapters, author Jody Revenson starts dishing out the magic from the start, with the first page depicting a copy of J.K. Rowling’s original scribble drawing of how she imagined the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to be set out. Revenson’s research is helped along by Production Designer Stuart Craig’s tales from the set, working alongside Decorator Stephenie McMillan, who sadly passed away in 2013 and to whom the book is dedicated.
As with everything, there has to be a beginning, with the first chapter covering Harry’s dismal life at Number 4 Privet Drive, with up-close photos showing the minute details that went into making sure that everyone knew that cousin Dudley was #1 (including a charming picture showing him stuffing his face full of foot-long hot dog).
The following chapters give an insight into the mystical world Harry is invited into, including Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, the castle itself and all of its secret passageways and rooms, the classrooms, the surrounding grounds, Hogsmeade (and Honeydukes – the designers told the cast that all sweet treats were covered in a lacquer finish, but it was a lie!), the Ministry of Magic, and wizarding homes, including the Weasleys’ cozy abode. Filled with original set photographs, beautiful artwork, close-ups of props and quotes from the original texts, Magical Places is a stunning piece of work created through the help – and dedicated to – some of the most hardworking people in film.
If, like me, you’ve been lucky enough to attend the Warner Bros. Studio Tour then this book lets you into all of the secrets they didn’t tell you during your visit. A wonderful gift for any Harry Potter fan in your life (or for yourself…).
Pick up your copy by heading here to Titan Books!
