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- "Non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles) were particularly afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognizing it. On the rare occasion that they did catch a real witch or wizard, burning had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic Flame Freezing Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation. Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being burned so much that she allowed herself to be caught no less than forty-seven times in various disguises."
- — Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic[src]
A History of Magic was a book written by Bathilda Bagshot, one of the most eminent magical historians, covering the history of the wizarding world up to the end of the 19th century. It was first published in 1947 by Little Red Books.[1] A second edition was released by M. L. Books at an unknown date.[2]
It was a required text for all Hogwarts students from the first year onward for the History of Magic class taught by Professor Binns. Hermione Granger had an extra copy of this book in her school trunk. A copy of this book cost two Galleons at Flourish and Blotts.[3]
A History of Magic was one of the books Hermione packed in her handbag when the Trio went to hunt Voldemort's Horcruxes. When Harry admitted that he did not know Godric's Hollow was named after Godric Gryffindor, she read an extract from the book to him. After their trip to Godric's Hollow, Hermione read A History of Magic at night while Harry struggled with the loss of his wand and learning about Albus Dumbledore's friendship with Gellert Grindelwald.
Known extracts
- "Little could be heard over the squaking of the Diricawls, the moaning of the Augureys and the relentless, piercing song of the Fwoopers. As witches and wizards attempted to consult the papers before them, sundry pixies and fairies whirled around their heads, giggling and jabbering. A dozen or so trolls began to smash apart the chamber with their clubs, while hags glided about the place in search of children to eat. The Council Chief stood up to open the meeting, slipped on a pile of Porlock dung and ran cursing from the hall."
- — Bagshot described a meeting of the Wizards' Council with representatives of all beings, at the time defined as anyone who walks on two legs.[src]
Behind the scenes
- In early British editions of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the book is incorrectly said to be written by Adalbert Waffling, instead of Bathilda Bagshot. The error was corrected in the American editions and later British editions.
- Although required and used in his class, Harry Potter says he has never read it, maybe just opened it, showing his obvious dislike for the subject. However Hedwig is a name that Harry found in the book.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Pottermore
