The Sorcerer's Companion

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Delve into the spellbinding world of Harry Potter with this comprehensive guide to the magic, mythology, and history of the seven-volume series.

Who was the real Nicholas Flamel? How did the Sorcerer’s Stone get its power? Did J. K. Rowling dream up the terrifying basilisk, the seductive veela, or the vicious grindylow? And if she didn’t, who did?

Millions of readers around the world have been enchanted by the magical world of wizardry, spells, and mythical beasts inhabited by Harry Potter and his friends. But what most readers don’t know is that there is a centuries-old trove of true history, folklore, and mythology behind Harry’s fantastic universe. With The Sorcerer’s Companion, those without access to the Hogwarts Library can school themselves in the fascinating reality behind J. K. Rowling’s world of magic.

The Sorcerer’s Companion allows curious readers to look up anything magical from all seven Harry Potter books and discover a wealth of entertaining information. Wands and wizards, boggarts and broomsticks, hippogriffs and horcruxes, all have astonishing histories rooted in legend, literature, or real-life events dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Magic wands like those sold in Diagon Alley were once fashioned by Druid sorcerers. Love potions were first brewed in ancient Greece and Egypt. And books of spells and curses were highly prized during the Middle Ages. From amulets to zombies, you’ll learn:

• How to read tea leaves
• Where to find a basilisk today
• Why owls were feared in the ancient world
• How to do arithmancy
• Who wore the first invisibility cloak
• How to safely handle mandrake root
• The origins of our modern-day “bogeyman”
• And much more!

A fascinating tour of Harry Potter’s captivating world, The Sorcerer’s Companion is an invaluable addition to any magical bookshelf.

The Sorcerer’s Companion has not been prepared, approved, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs