As you probably know by now, we're getting a few new Harry Potter books this fall, and Potterheads can't wait to get their hands on them. There so many reasons we're excited for the new Harry Potter books, but let's just take a look at five of the biggest ones below, shall we?
This year marks two big Harry Potter anniversaries. June 26 was the 20th book-birthday for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and July 21 was the 10th book-birthday for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. On Oct. 20, the British Library will open Harry Potter: A History of Magic, an exhibit that will feature magical artifacts and myths from around the world, as well as unpublished material from J.K. Rowling's papers and notes.
Two of the new Harry Potter books will be centered around the Harry Potter exhibition. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, The Book of the Exhibition showcases the British Library's artifacts and mementos. Meanwhile, Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic takes readers on a globe-trotting tour to learn all about the myths and folktales that Rowling re-worked for her best-selling series. The third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition, is an oversized version of the original Year 3 tale, fully illustrated by Jim Kay.
All of the new Harry Potter books will hit store shelves this fall. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition is currently slated for an Oct. 3 release. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, The Book of the Exhibition and Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic have been timed to launch with the British Library's exhibit on Oct. 20.
That's a long time to wait, but you're in good company. Check out the five major reasons we're excited for the new Harry Potter books below, and share your anticipation with me on Twitter!
1The New Harry Potter Books Delve Deep Into J.K. Rowling's Influences
Potterheads know that Rowling drew deeply from British mythology to create her fantasy book series for children and young adults, and the two new nonfiction Harry Potter books will include more information on her sources than we've ever seen before. If you've ever wondered where Rowling got her ideas, you'll want to pick up those books.
2We Get To See Jim Kay's 'Prisoner Of Azkaban' Illustrations, Finally
For those of you who haven't seen them already, let me just say that the illustrated editions of the Harry Potter books are downright spectacular. Jim Kay and Harry Potter publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic went above and beyond the call of duty to create the first two illustrated editions, and the new Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be no less important and gorgeous.
3The 'History Of Magic' Books Will Be Like Going To The Harry Potter Exhibit At The British Library
Most Harry Potter fans in the U.S. won't be able to attend the British Library's Harry Potter exhibit, and there does not appear to be a current plan in place for bringing the new Harry Potter nonfiction books to the U.S. Bummer, I know. The good news is that U.S. readers can purchase the new Harry Potter books, and they'll still be cheaper than a plane ticket to London, even with those international shipping rates.
4They Aren't Written By J.K. Rowling
I can feel your outrage already, but hear me out. Back in December, Rowling revealed that she was working on two new books, one of which will be set in the Harry Potter universe. So far as we know, she still has that other new Harry Potter book in the works. Not being involved in the writing of the two exhibition titles means she can keep working on bringing us an all-new fantasy novel.
5We're Getting New Harry Potter Books That We Haven't Read
Even though the new Harry Potter books don't continue the story Rowling began 20 years ago, they will add to the magic by fleshing out the origins of our favorite magical creatures, potions, and spells. This is Harry Potter content we've never read before, folks. It's time to celebrate.
