Beyond the Novels: Additional Books and Stories

In addition to the seven Potter novels, Rowling has released numerous extra books and stories over the years. These are not new novels, instead they are books that exist in the Harry Potter universe that now exist for us to read. The first was in 2001 when she released Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (a textbook mentioned in Philosopher’s Stone) and Quidditch Through the Ages (a school library book Harry reads) as part of Charity Relief. The next came in 2007 when Rowling hand wrote seven copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard (fairy tales mentioned in Deathly Hallows). It was then published internationally at the end of 2008.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

In a 2001 interview Rowling stated that she chose the subject of magical creatures because it was a fun topic for which she had already developed a lot of information in earlier books. What was great about it was that it was published to look like one of Harry’s textbooks, complete with Newt’s name as author and even a ‘Property of Harry Potter’ sticker on it. Further editions have changed this, with both names appearing on the cover. An updated version was published earlier this year, with six new creatures added to it, and of course, it was recently turned into a film.

Quidditch Through The Ages

Like Fantastic Beasts, Rowling originally published this book as it would have appeared in the wizarding world, writing under the pseudonym of Kennilworthy Whisp, a renowned expert in the sport. It covers the sport’s origins, the details about each of the balls in play, the evolution of flying brooms, the introduction of the snitch and much more. The copy exists in the series as a library book and the 2001 first edition reflects that with a check out list in the front of characters who’ve borrowed the book.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Unlike the other two which were written for charity, originally only seven hand written copies of the book existed. Rowling has stated that the idea of writing the books was to thank six key people who had been very closely connected to the series. She had the idea to write the book, handwritten and illustrated by herself, just for those people. She then decided if she was doing six, she may as well do seven and auction if off for a good cause. The original editions were bound in brown morocco leather, and decorated with hand-chased silver ornaments and mounted semiprecious stones. Looking at pictures of them they are gorgeous, and I am so envious of those seven people.

All three of these books contain extra information about the wizarding world that isn’t in the seven books. But it’s not the only thing Rowling has created that is separate from the novels. While those books were written as in-universe books, Rowling has also written other things that reveal a little bit more about the world.

The Prequel

In 2008 Rowling wrote an 800-word prequel as part of a fundraiser. Rowling adamantly stated she is not writing a prequel, this was merely a good idea to raise money for worthy charities. The original was a handwritten story on a piece of A5 card which was auctioned off for £25 000.The story revolves around James and Sirius when they were teens. It was published online in June that year and can be read here. This original story was stolen earlier this year. The owner has stated that “If it’s destroyed, or if it’s lost, it’s a great loss” and whoever took it or may purchase it may not understand “the benefits to people out there [and] what it can do.” Already this story is expected to be worth £65 000.

The Short Stories

In 2016, three ebooks were released which contained short stories about Hogwarts that Rowling had written. I did not even know about these until I started researching so I am incredibly exited to get these and read them. Presented by Pottermore, these stories came from the Pottermore archives with exclusive new information added. The three ebooks are titled: