Quidditch Through the Ages

Quidditch Through the Ages Illustrated Edition

written by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Emily Gravett

Published by Bloomsbury in hardback, 6^th October 2020, AU$45.00 / NZ$47.99

'Oh, you wait, it's the best game in the world.' Ron Weasley

Quidditch Through the Ages was first published in 2001 and is arguably the most famous sports book in the wizarding world.  Now, this much-loved companion to the Harry Potter books has been gloriously reimagined in a large illustrated colour gift edition by the innovative and award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett. Published in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos, and written by J.K. Rowling as esteemed fictional Quidditch writer Kennilworthy Whisp, the book contains all you will ever need to know about the history, the rules – and the breaking of the rules – of the noble sport of Quidditch.

When asked to illustrate the fictional history of this magical sport Emily Gravett's wildly creative imagination conjured a cornucopia of magical sporting memorabilia to surprise and delight. With some items lovingly created in a dazzling range of media and infused with her trademark visual wit, these charming and funny artworks are the perfect pairing for Kennilworthy Whisp's insights into the magical, airborne sport.

Accessible at any point in the Harry Potter reading journey Quidditch Through the Ages invites readers to take a whistle-stop tour through the history of Quidditch, reliving epic matches and great moments along the way. This imagined guide charts the game's history from its early origins through to the modern-day sport loved by so many wizard and Muggle families around the world. With comprehensive coverage of famous Quidditch teams, the commonest fouls, the development of racing brooms, and much more, this is a must-have sporting tome for all Harry Potter fans, Quidditch lovers and players.

Quidditch Through the Ages first appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. After catching Harry Potter with a copy, it is also the reason that Professor Snape invents the rule that no library books are allowed outside of Hogwarts School. The word Quidditch entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017 – the same year that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone celebrated its 20^th anniversary.  

A portion of 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. Publisher Scholastic are set to publish in the US at the same time.

Quidditch Through the Ages Illustrated Edition

written by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Emily Gravett

About Emily Gravett:

Emily Gravett was born 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 Macmillan Prize for Illustration with her first book, Wolves, which went on to win the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award for Illustration and marked the beginning of an international career creating extraordinary and innovative books for children: Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears won the Kate Greenaway Medal for her a second time. 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.

About Bloomsbury:

Bloomsbury Publishing is a leading independent publishing house. The children's division publishes books for children of all ages up to 16 in both print and e formats. It publishes across preschool, picture books, fiction and non-fiction. Its award-winning list includes authors such as J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Louis Sachar and Sarah J. Maas, and illustrators such as Jim Kay, Chris Riddell and Emily Gravett. For more information go to www.bloomsbury.com

About Kennilworthy Whisp:

Kennilworthy Whisp was a famous author and renowned Quidditch expert.  Whisp has written several books related to Quidditch, including his most famous work, Quidditch Through the Ages.  Whisp resides in Nottinghamshire in England, and divides his time between his home and wherever the Wigtown Wanderers are playing.  His hobbies include playing backgammon, vegetarian cookery, and collecting vintage broomsticks.

About J.K. Rowling:

J.K. Rowling is the author of the record-breaking, multi-award-winning Harry Potter novels. Loved by fans around the world, the series has sold more than 500 million copies, been translated into over 80 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. She has written three companion volumes in aid of 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).