Recent Publications | August 11, 2017

New Harry Potter Book Reveals Values and Fandom Behind Our Favorite Wizard

image002.jpgIOLA, WI - Featuring more than 300 outstanding objects gathered from private and public collections, Harry Potter - The Unofficial Guide to The Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard provides the first comprehensive survey of the rich art, books, and memorabilia created during the last 20 years of Pottermania. First-edition copies of J.K. Rowling’s epic now command nearly $50,000 and special items created for collectors are rising in value every day. The esoteric knowledge, visual symbols, and moral teachings revealed in Rowling’s writings have inspired an entire generation of readers young and old and have formed an important facet of American popular culture.

In this beautifully illustrated and lavishly designed book, author Eric Bradley introduces readers to the broad world of these collectibles and explores the fandom surrounding the mystique behind the world’s boy-wizard. From the Holy Grail chair Rowling used to write her epic series, which sold for a spellbinding $394,000, to a $40,000 Potter-themed wedding and those who tattoo their bodies with symbolism from the books, this guide appeals to dedicated Harry Potter fans and the curious alike.

   “Twenty years on, the world of Harry Potter is expanding quickly, and with it comes the usual flurry of new films, books, plays, amusement parks, and more on the horizon. Each one will come with a blur of collectibles, posters, figurines, and limited-edition items (not to mention movie props!) available for collectors. In fact, the season for Harry Pottery never has been hotter. It’s easy to see why.

   Don’t worry if that phrase is new to you: Harry Pottery is the collecting genre that includes all things related to this wizarding world. Whereas rare items sell between $10,000 (a complete set of all seven UK Harry Potter titles) and $43,000 (a first edition, first printing of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone), values for mass produced Harry Potter collectibles are also on the rise...” —From the book’s introduction

Telling the story behind Harry Potter through its art and collectibles, Bradley examines how fans and the marketplace contribute to the enduring love behind these enigmatic characters and the books that launched a million imaginations.

Harry Potter - The Unofficial Guide to The Collectibles of Our Favorite Wizard opens the door to private collections and invites the reader to explore the compelling world of wizardry now coveted by collectors.

Eric Bradley is the author of several collectibles books, including the critically acclaimed Mantiques: A Manly Guide to Cool Stuff and Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles, the No. 1 selling guide on the market. He has appeared in The Wall Street JournalGQFour Seasons Magazine and PARADE, among others. Bradley is the Public Relations Director at Heritage Auctions, ha.com, the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. He lives near Dallas with his wife and three children.

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

By Eric Bradley
8 x 8, hardcover, 208 pages, $22.99
250+ color photos
ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-4802-3
Krause Publications
www.krausebooks.com