Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling, Albus Dumbledore Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on June 1st 2001
Pages: 59
Goodreads
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander's classic compendium of magical creatures, has delighted generations of wizarding readers. With this beautiful, large-scale new edition illustrated in full color, Muggles too will have the chance to discover where the Runespoor lives, what the Puffskein eats, and why shiny objects should always be kept away from the Niffler.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Comic Relief and J.K. Rowling's international charity, Lumos, which will do magic beyond the powers of any wizard. If you feel that this is insufficient reason to part with your money, one can only hope that passing wizards feel more charitable if they see you being attacked by a Manticore.
4.5 Nuts
This is going to be a strange review. I have read/listened to several versions of this book at this point. Therefore I will comment on them in order. First the original version as originally released, then the updated parts, and finally the narrated version by actor Eddie Redmayne. Cool? Good.
I got my first edition of this book when I was a kid, completely obsessed with everything Potter. I still have that tiny paperback, still intact though well loved. This edition of the book features comments from Harry and Ron written in the margins, as if it where their own school book reproduced for Muggle readers. The book was great even then.
When someone in a book or in conversation mentioned an animal I didn’t recognize from the books I could go back and use it as a reference. I learned more about the dragons in the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament and all about Thestrals. The comments from Harry and Ron where a hysterical bonus.
The new edition removed the side comments, Dumbledore’s forward, adds a forward by Newt, and several new creatures as mentioned in the new film. Many of these are creatures native to areas in the United States, having “left” many of those out at “MCUSA’s request”. The new entries are great and I only wish there were more. This new edition isn’t THAT different from the original but for a Potter superfan like myself its a must have.
As for “Newt Scamander’s” narrator, well that was a delightful bonus that I’m glad they made for the audiobook. It’s very cool to have the actor from the film read as his character the book he supposedly wrote. It gives the book that much more personality.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves Potter of the Fantastic Beast film, even if they already have the original or new versions. I like having both. Each has its own personality and for me that’s enough to need both.
Which version do you prefer? Share in the comments.
From my shelf to yours,
Erin
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