Harry Potter - The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard

by Eric Bradley

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader

Harry Potter - The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard from F + W Media and written/curated by
Heritage Auctions' Eric Bradley, is an in-depth very well photographed collectible price and ID book covering most everything associated with 'Harry Pottery' (all things Potter).

The guide, at 208 pages is well packed with items which are assembled into chapters. The table of contents lists an introduction, including what is (and isn't) 'Harry Pottery', 8 chapters divided into ephemera and props from the books, movie posters, actual movie props, other items (for example the signed, author decorated chair where she wrote the books - $394,000), retail collectible merchandise, limited edition collectibles, fandom and Potter-inspired collectibles.

The books have a special place in most readers' memories and world. Actually owning a piece of gear which was used in the movies has the capacity to turn otherwise rational people into squealing fangirls/boys. To be absolutely honest, I started a review of this book and got distracted several times just looking at the items over and over again. The chances of me ever actually plonking down $1.9 miiiillion dollars (please insert Dr. Evil voice) are nil, but darn it, that is one FINE book! (see below)


Yes, that's a handmade morocco leather bound hand written and drawn (by J.K. Rowling herself) copy of Beedle the Bard. The backstory has never been published (as far as I know). A prop version of this book in the movie was given to Hermione by Dumbledore. Afterward, the author handwrote and illustrated the story for a select number of friends. The cover furnishings are sterling silver encrusted with semiprecious stones.

Back to the collectibles book. It's unofficial but very well written, no-nonsense text by a professional who writes collectible and valuation catalogs as his day job. He knows what he's talking about.

This book is what it is; a well curated valuation guide and photographic encyclopedia. I was actually quite surprised at how affordable a lot of the collectibles are. A first edition authentic movie poster can be had for $40-200.

Four stars, although now I really want to go find an original movie poster to go with my Creature from the Black Lagoon and Plan 9 From Outer Space posters!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.