Review – Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone Illustrated Edition – Jim Kay – JK Rowling

Published: October 6, 2015

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 246

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.41 Stars

My Rating: 5 Stars

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For the first time, J. K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books will be presented in lavishly illustrated full-color editions. Rowling herself selected artist Jim Kay, whose over one hundred illustrations make this deluxe format as perfect a gift for the child being introduced to the series as for the dedicated fan.

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley–a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry–and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable.

(Goodreads Summary)

I spent my entire life only knowing the movie cannon of the Harry Potter world up until last summer. I know, I know; I can hear your boos and hisses. The point is I did read the books and they were just as awe inspiring as I knew they would be. I, obviously, wanted more of the fandom after reading those seven heartbreaking beautiful pieces of art, but where? Oh yes, my friends. I trolled Tumblr to the wee dawn hours and alas, I still do. But it’s not cannon, yah know? So when the Illustrated edition came around I almost* cried tears of happiness.

*definitely

I knew it was going to be good, but I didn’t know it was going to be make-me-sob-like-a-seven-year-old-kid-who-has-been-told-Santa-isn’t-real good.

I’m not here to review the story. No, I don’t feel like my mediocre review skills (even I can’t be good at everything) are worthy of Queen Rowling’s handywork. I am here to review the art, which admittedly I know even less about than writing. Technically, I don’t know jack squat about art but I know what is pleasing and what’s not. Art is kind of hard to put into words though and I’ve been itching to better my photography skills so I decided this endeavor would be what we here in Hillbilly, Ohio call a toofer deal. “Two for” one. I would be practicing my review skills and practicing my photography.

My skills with a camera are meh and my skills with Photoshop are even more meh. I don’t like being meh at things so I’m working on it. Here’s my review on The Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone: It’s beautiful.

Now let me show you.