The 10 Best Harry Potter Companion Books Of All Time

Even over 20 years after the books amazed the world with the  Harry Potter franchise, fans still can’t get enough of this magical universe. But, considering how unfulfilling re-reading the books or re-watching the movies for the hundredth time might become, Potterheads are always looking for more information on their favorite witches and wizards, magical creatures, sports, and really anything that has to do with their favorite franchise.

Luckily for every muggle out there who dreams about receiving their Hogwarts acceptance letter, there’s a bunch of spellbinding companion books that dive deep into the amazing Harry Potter universe. So, for those who are looking to widen their perspective on the Wizarding World and all of its magic, some of the best are listed below.

10 The Tales Of Beedle The Bard (J. K. Rowling)

Compiled and brought up into the muggles’ reality by J. K. Rowling, this companion book is a collection of famous fairytales penned by a well-known wizard Beedle The Bard. As fans have learned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hermione inherited its first edition from Albus Dumbledore, which informed the gang about the existence of three powerful artifacts created by Death himself.

This story about the origins of Deathly Hallows – The Tale of the Three Brothers – is probably the most popular one from The Tales Of Beedle The Bard. However, readers can also enjoy Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump, The Warlock’s Hairy Heart, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, and The Wizard and the Hopping Pot. Another interesting fact about the book is that it includes Dumbledore’s commentary on every one of these stories as well as Rowling’s own footnotes.

9 Quidditch Through The Ages By J. K. Rowling

Written under the pen name of an English wizard Kennilworthy Whisp, Quidditch Through The Ages explores each and every aspect of Harry Potter’s favorite wizarding sport. Starting with the first recorded quidditch match on Queerditch Marsh, the author continues to fill the pages with thrilling facts about the game’s rules, referees, the most acclaimed teams, glorious players, and much more.

Needless to say, some chapters deal with (racing) broomsticks and how this magical version of football is played today, considering there are so many quidditch fanatics out there among not only witches and wizards but also among non-magical folks.

8 Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them By J. K. Rowling

Thanks to J. K. Rowling, who created a real-life copy of Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them, muggles have the opportunity to peek into Newt Scamander’s personal journal and learn a lot about the magical fauna this famous magizoologist discovered traveling the world.

As a crucial textbook for Hogwarts students since 1927, it includes almost a hundred fascinating creatures from the Harry Potter universe – all presented in alphabetical order, of course. From the intelligent and petlike Kneazle to the indocile Nundu, this guidebook contains a bunch of useful information on every magical beast that any wannabe wizarding naturalist needs to know.

7 Stories From Hogwarts Of Heroism, Hardship, And Dangerous Hobbies By J. K. Rowling

This companion book is a must-read for Potterheads interested in lion-hearted Hogwarts professors, especially Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. There, Rowling answers many fan questions about these beloved characters who play significant roles in her best-selling magical saga; however, these stories also cover their past lives, before the unfolding of the events surrounding “the boy who lived.”

In addition, the book contains a brief biography of an eccentric Divination professor Sybill Trelawney, and lesser-known facts about Silvanus Kettleburn whose passion for magical creatures resulted in him retiring from Hogwarts with plenty of missing limbs.

6 Short Stories From Hogwarts Of Power, Politics, And Pesky Poltergeists By J. K. Rowling

These short stories are a great start for those who want to become more informed on subjects regarding politics and corruption within the Wizarding World. Specifically, the book contains a history of the Ministry of Magic as well as the origins of Azkaban and its Dementors.

On top of that, there’s a whole chapter about the most hated character in the series – Dolores Umbridge – who perfectly represents the abuse of political power among high-rankings in the Ministry. Her “bully” at Hogwarts, Peeves the Poltergeist, is included as well, along with Horace Slughorn, whose past as Potions master reveals some “juicy” insights on potions, cauldrons, and even his association with Tom Riddle.

5 Hogwarts – An Incomplete & Unreliable Guide By J. K. Rowling

Rowling’s Hogwarts – Incomplete & Unreliable Guide gives lots of fun facts regarding the prominent British School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From Kings Cross Station and Hogwarts Express to chapters on Hufflepuff Common Room and Hogwarts’ ghostly residents, this book also provides its readers with detailed information on many secrets that rest within this magical castle – some of which include the Mirror of Erised and the Sword of Gryffindor.

4 Harry Potter: A History Of Magic By British Library & J. K. Rowling

As the official book of the British Library exhibition, Harry Potter: A History Of Magic features documents and artifacts related to J.K. Rowling’s magical world. Each chapter is based on Hogwarts school subjects (e.g. Herbology, Potions and Alchemy, Charms, etc.) and is filled with fascinating information on mythology, folklore, and the real-life history of witchcraft that inspired the author to create Harry Potter.

Some of Rowling’s sketches of Hogwarts grounds and characters are also included, along with the manuscripts from the editing phases of her books. Best of all, the British Library has recently made its exhibit available online, which can be accessed through Google Arts & Culture.

3 Snape: A Definitive Reading (Lorrie Kim)

In Lorrie Kim’s remarkable analysis titled Snape: A Definitive Reading, the author offers a deep understanding of probably the most complex character in the Harry Potter universe. Each chapter centers around one of the seven books, unraveling (in detail) the hidden meaning behind Severus Snape’s antagonistic behavior.

Kim’s interpretation also focuses on his transformation into an anti-hero while demonstrating his actions and relationships with witches and wizards around him. Overall, it’s surely an eye-opening read for every Snape fan (and Potterheads in general) since the book brings an interesting perspective on this mysterious double agent in both Wizarding Wars.

2 The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook By Dinah Bucholz

For those who have always been fascinated with the mouth-watering meals the Harry Potter characters are eating in the books and movies, Bucholz’s The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook “serves” the step-by-step instructions for over 150 spellbinding recipes straight from Molly Weasley’s kitchen, Great Hall tables, and Hogwarts Express cart.

Every delicious dish (as well as beverages) in this literary companion comes with its background story and an accompanying quote from the series, so that every Potterhead foodie can recreate (for example) Kreacher’s French Onion Soup or Harry’s favorite – Treacle Tart – while enjoying fun food trivia.

1 Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey By Bob McCabe

This one is a goldmine for every Harry Potter movie buff out there who enjoys revealing behind-the-scenes secrets of their favorite franchise. Written by Bob McCabe, Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey includes a collage of subjects concerning the filmmaking process of bringing the Wizarding World onto the screen. The chapters cover tons of information about the characters, costumes, set design, locations, and artifacts. On top of that, everything is complemented with photographs, cast and crew interviews as well as beautiful illustrations.

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