Quidditch Through the Ages Illustrated Edition written by J. K. Rowling under the pseudonym of the esteemed fictional Quidditch writer, Kennilworthy Whisp, and illustrated by the innovative and award-winning, Emily Gravett.
Kennilworthy first explains that the noble sport of Quidditch had its beginnings in Sweden with the annual broom race, coupled with the ancient German game of Stichcock.
Similarly, in a diary kept by the witch Gertie Keddle, who lived on the edge of Queerditch Marsh in the 11th Century, there was mention of the game of Shuntbumps being played in Devon, England.
Kennilworthy makes reference to the prominence of the use of the Golden Snidget birds, which changed the nature of Quidditch in the 1200’s and that anti-muggle precautions were put in place at the end of the 1600’s.
He describes how the Quidditch teams of Britain and Ireland were established in 1674 with thirteen teams competing for the league cup. Emily’s wonderful illustrations show the team uniforms worn at that time.
Then, in 1473, the first Quidditch World Cup was played amongst European countries and in the 17th century non-european teams competed for the first time. Quidditch had become popular worldwide.
His expert knowledge on the development of the racing broom is enhanced by Emily’s wonderful illustrations. History shows that originally Quidditch was played on a variety of day brooms. These were used in their various forms until the early 19th century when faster models were produced, then revolutionised by the Nimbus racing company.
Continuing to the present day, the author explains the more difficult moves that have now been invented, such as the Plumpton Pass and, pushing the game to its limits, the Double 8 loop! These have also been clearly illustrated by Emily’s careful attention to detail.
A must have for all Harry Potter enthusiasts and those who appreciate the epitome of gloriously imaginative graphics along with a touch of humour and a large helping of magic.
If Santa didn’t place this amazing book in your Christmas stocking, seek a copy from your favourite bookstore!
Quidditch Through The Ages was first published in 2001 and has been deemed the most illustrious sports book in the wizarding world. Now, this much acclaimed companion to the Harry Potter books has been transformed into a large illustrated colour gift edition by the magical creativity of Emily Gravett.
Quidditch Through the Ages first appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The word Quidditch entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017 – the same year that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone celebrated its 20th anniversary.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this edition will go to J. K. Rowling’s own international children’s charity Lumos, which helps some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people to have a better life; and to Comic Relief.
ISBN: 9781526608123
Quidditch Through the Ages is available in hardback
About J. K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is best known as the author of the seven Harry Potter books, which were published between 1997 and 2007. The enduringly popular adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione have gone on to sell over 500 million copies, be translated into over 80 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. Alongside the Harry Potter series, she also wrote three short companion volumes for charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in aid of Lumos. J.K. Rowling collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany to continue Harry’s story in a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened in London in 2016 and is now playing in Europe, North America and Australia. In the same year, she made her debut as a screenwriter with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first in a series featuring Magizoologist Newt Scamander, which was inspired by the original companion volume. J.K. Rowling has also written a standalone novel, The Casual Vacancy, and is the author of the Strike crime series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Both have been adapted for television. She has received many awards and honours, including an OBE and a Companion of Honour for services to literature and philanthropy. She lives in Scotland with her family.
About Emily Gravett
Emily Gravett is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator who lives in Brighton, England. After leaving school with few qualifications, she spent eight years living on the road before taking the BA Illustration course at Brighton University. She won the McMillan Prize for Illustration with her first book Wolves, which went on to win the Kate Greenaway Medal and Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award for Illustration and marked the beginning of an international career creating extraordinary and innovative books for children. Her own picture books are published in more than 20 languages and she has also collaborated with some of the most creative writers working today including Julia Donaldson, A. F. Harrold and Matt Haig.
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