Since author J.K. Rowling introduced Harry Potter in 1997, the Boy Wizard has become a global icon to everyone from toddlers to grandmas. The book series and films that followed surpassed sales estimates, set records, and forever changed the pop culture lexicon in ways that no other series had in years.
Given the popularity of the Harry Potter characters and their magical world, it makes perfect sense that the series flooded various collecting fields with memorabilia for ardent fans. Harry Potter collectors can fit into the molds of people who collect a type of memorabilia (first edition books, screen-used items, toys) or they are series devotees. Which makes The Unofficial Guide to Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard Harry Potter by Eric Bradley (author of Mantiques: A Manly Guide to Cool Stuff) a very good source for guidance.
The book is introduced with the incredible story of how the rickety old chair Rowling sat in while writing Harry Potter sold for an astounding $394,000 at auction in 2016. From there, Bradley states that demand is high for series memorabilia and what readers will find within the book.
It’s sorted into chapters focusing on the books themselves, movie posters, movie props, Harry Pottery, Harry Potter merchandise, limited edition collectibles, fandom, and Potter-inspired collectibles. Each chapter provides pricing estimates for the particular collectibles, insightful background information, and informative tips. For instance, in the chapter on the books, Bradley points out indicators for the first edition copies, publication details, and differing printings. The book details the different movie poster styles, the rare props and costume pieces that have sold at auction, defines “Harry Pottery” and what those collectibles entail, shows some of the rare pieces like press kits, as well as prop replicas, games, jewelry, and oodles of fun stuff.
In addition to showcasing such incredible and attainable memorabilia, the book also shares the fans’ love for the series. There is a chapter devoted to the fandom and ways that Harry Potter fans have expressed their love. It also presents fan-made memorabilia from t-shirts to dolls, the kind of merchandise that artistic fans produce and sell at conventions and on websites like Etsy.
Along with the loads of content on the collectibles, there are many photos. Unfortunately, they don’t move like Hogwarts paintings, but they do illustrate examples of the collectibles in beautiful detail. There are quotes from the series peppered throughout the book as well as “Did You Know?” facts with tidbits of interesting information, and an index that references the collectibles and titles mentioned throughout the book.
Bradley’s The Unofficial Guide to Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard Harry Potter is a wonderful tool for any Harry Potter collector. It’s filled with great series information that can guide new or experienced collectors on their journey. It’ll surely have readers checking the mailbox in hopes of finding an acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the promise of adventure with the Boy Who Lived.
-Amanda Sheriff
