This article is not part of the Harry Potter universe.

This article covers a subject that is part of the real world, and thus should not be taken as a part of the Harry Potter universe. This article covers a subject that is part of the real world, and thus should not be taken as a part of the Harry Potter universe.

Since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997, many publishers have created new editions of each book with new cover art provided by various illustrators. Bloomsbury is the British publication that has created both adult and children's covers. The adult edition usually depicts an object or place that plays a key part in the plot while the children's one features a major event in the book. Bloomsbury have commissioned many illustrators to design the cover. In 2013, they had woodcut artist Andrew Davidson create new cover art for the paperback adult edition. Other artists commissioned by Bloomsbury to create full set of covers include Clare Melinsky and Jonny Duddle.

The original covers by American publisher Scholastic usually depict an amalgam of objects and people from the book against a common backdrop. The art on all original American editions were created by Mary GrandPré. Since then, Scholastic has commissioned Kazu Kibuishi and Brian Selznick to create new cover art for anniversary editions of all of the titles.

The cover art created by either Bloomsbury or Scholastic are re-used on many, but not all, international editions of the books.

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Covers from editions in English

British

Back covers of the original children's edition

Covers

The cover of the children's edition, drawn by Thomas Taylor, depicts Harry Potter staring at the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4. The original Bloomsbury back cover includes a rather bizarre-looking figure (whose face also adorns the spine) who was created by the illustrator. After a few editions, the back cover was changed with a new image, this time clearly identifiable as Dumbledore, even holding a Put-Outer.

The original adult edition has the Hogwarts Express. The second adult edition depicts the Philosopher's Stone.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 20th Anniversary Editions

In February 2017, in celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter, Bloomsbury released four new special covers each in both paperback and hardback; created by Levi Pinfold, the covers represent each of the Hogwarts Houses.[1]

The cover of the children's edition, by Cliff Wright, has Harry and Ron Weasley inside the Flying Ford Anglia. The Hogwarts Express runs below them. The back cover depicts Hogwarts. A cutout of the cover image of Hedwig in her cage adorns the spine.

The original adult edition has the Flying Ford Anglia. The second adult edition features the door to the Chamber of Secrets.

The cover of the children's edition, by Cliff Wright, depicts Harry and Hermione Granger riding Buckbeak. A lupine creature (either Sirius Black's Animagus or Remus Lupin in werewolf form) adorns the back cover and spine.

The original adult edition has a hippogriff flying in the clouds. The second adult edition depicts Azkaban.

The cover of the children's edition, by Giles Greenfield, depicts the First Task of the Triwizard Championship, with Harry on his Firebolt being chased by a Hungarian Horntail. The back cover is an image of a Hogwarts staircase, with a ghost atop of it. A cutout of an owl statue in the back is on the spine.

The original adult edition has a dragon on the cover. The second adult edition depicts the Goblet of Fire.

The cover of the children's edition, by Jason Cockcroft, features a phoenix rising from flames.The battle in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic appears on the back cover, with the symbol-filled ceiling and the gold statues of the Fountain of Magical Brethren. A golden feather decorates the spine.

The adult edition depicts a Phoenix.

The cover of the children's edition, by Jason Cockcroft, depicts Albus Dumbledore and Harry inside the Cave, surrounded by a ring of fire created by the former. The back cover is the Cave, with the lake and the basin filled with potion. The spine has Marvolo Gaunt's Ring. Both flaps feature Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy's hands making the Unbreakable Vow.

The adult edition depicts the Half-Blood Prince's copy of Advanced Potion-Making.

The cover of the children's edition, by Jason Cockcroft, depicts Harry, Ron and Hermione breaking into the Lestrange Vault in Gringotts. A sword-wielding Griphook stands behind Harry.The back cover features Hogwarts, the front flap has Harry's deer Patronus, the back flap has Nagini inside a crystal ball, and the spine, the Deathly Hallows symbol.

The adult edition depicts Salazar Slytherin's Locket.

Boxed Sets

Clare Melinsky's Signature Edition

In March 2010, Bloomsbury unveiled new cover artwork by Clare Melinsky for its Signature Edition.[2] Melinsky's covers were published in paperback,[3] Audio CD,[4] and later in 2011, hardback.[5]

Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7)

2014 children's edition

In 2014, Bloomsbury commissioned Jonny Duddle to create new cover artwork for its children's edition; the cover art was used on the paperback, and hardcover editions. Harry Potter is on every cover.

Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7)

Back cover art

Notes and references

American

Unlike the initial UK children's edition that went through various cover artists, the American books stuck with one artist per significant edition, with Mary GrandPré being the main artist since the launch of the Sorcerer's Stone, until the publications of the 15th and 20th anniversary editions with new cover arts respectively by Kazu Kibuishi and Brian Selznick, though both editions have the same interior art by GrandPré.

The cover shows a Nimbus-riding Harry (in Muggle attire or Hogwarts arches) is about to catch the Golden Snitch, with other Quidditch players in the far distant background. Hogwarts castle appears behind Harry and the arched columns through which he is flying, the bottom of the entire cover shows a soft, red and blue tile floor, which is connected to the columns. The soft floor features a transparent fabric so we can able to see the bottom of the columns, and Fluffy's three vicious heads are visible in an opening in the castle wall. In the distance, the forest's pointed pine trees mirror the pointed towers of the castle, while a unicorn gallops by. The back cover shows a letter-carried owl, Albus Dumbledore, a Bludger, and a key, which is dropped by an owl. The back flap shows an orange curtain with white stars is blown by the owl. The front flap has a mysterious candle-holding figure with no shoes or boots is coming from behind a light-green curtain with light-blue swirls and dots.

The alternate paperback edition has Snape running into the woods. The Tenth Anniversary Edition has Harry looking into the Mirror of Erised. The School Market Edition has Harry getting his wand in Ollivanders with Hagrid and Garrick Ollivander.

The cover shows Fawkes flying Harry, Ron, and Ginny Weasley to safety after the defeat of Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets. Mrs Norris is in the back cover, and the front flap has the Basilisk's lurking eye. The title (besides "Harry Potter") is written in blood on the walls like Ginny's messages while possessed.

The alternate paperback edition shows the Chamber of Secrets.

The cover shows Harry and Hermione riding Buckbeak. It could be said that all four Marauders appear - Sirius Black is probably the silhouette toward the bottom of the front cover, Peter Pettigrew's rat form is in the front flop, Remus Lupin in Werewolf form runs in the back cover, and Harry's stag Patronus (which resembles James Potter's Animagus) is in the back flap. On the back, we see four Dementors prowling around the castle and the Whomping Willow in the distance. Crookshanks is waiting under the tree. On the back flap apppears a small house with smoke rising from its chimney—probably Hagrid's hut.

The entire art depicts the Third Task's maze, along with the Horntail (whose head and wings are on the back cover). The front cover features all Triwizard Champions - Harry Potter holding the Golden egg, Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum, and Cedric Diggory. An acromantula (partly obscured by Fleur's hair ribbon), Sirius' dog form, distant stands full of spectators projecting above the maze and what looks like a Dementor are also visible.

In the back cover, a pair of red eyes, the Beauxbatons carriage and a hand holding the Goblet of Fire are visible.

The picture depicts Harry in the circular room at the entrance to the Department of Mysteries. The back cover has Lupin, Tonks, and Moody opening one of the doors. The deluxe cover depicts 12 Grimmauld Place, with Hedwig flying in the front cover, and broomstick-riding wizards arriving.

The picture has Harry and Dumbledore in front of the potion-filled basin on the Cave. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and other DA members are in the back cover, with the Dark Mark in the sky. The deluxe cover is Harry and Dumbledore in Bob Ogden's memory, watching him arrive at the Gaunt shack.

The cover depicts the Duel in the Great Hall, with Voldemort in the back flap and cover and Harry in the front cover.

The deluxe cover depicts Harry, Ron and Hermione riding the blind dragon while escaping from Gringotts Wizarding Bank after their break-in.

Boxed Sets

15th Anniversary Edition

In 2013, Scholastic commissioned Kazu Kibuishi to create new cover artwork for 15th anniversary editions of all of the titles.

Boxed Set (Books 1-7)

20th Anniversary Edition

In 2018, Scholastic commissioned Brian Selznick to create new cover artwork for 20th anniversary editions of all of the titles.[1]

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All covers

Universal covers

Illustrated Edition (2015–present)

Jim Kay was selected to present the Harry Potter books in a new format, the Illustrated Edition, which he illustrated for both the interior and cover art.

US Illustrated Edition US Illustrated Edition US Illustrated Edition US Illustrated Edition

The above American edition represents all Illustrated Editions; to compare text placement and minor design differences between editions from different languages, see respective section on Illustrated Edition in individual book articles: Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, and Goblet of Fire.

2015 Pottermore digital edition

On 11 December, 2015, Pottermore revealed new cover art by Olly Moss for eBooks.[2] This set of art is used on editions in languages available to be purchased on Pottermore, including Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (both British and American), Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, European Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

On 23 November, 2017, Olly Moss was given permission to share what he initially submitted for this commission,[3][4] being a total of five proposals, with the "Optical Illusions" pitch being selected. "Hogwarts", one out of the remaining four ideas, was later used for the 2016 German Exclusive Audio Book edition.

The above British edition represents editions in all languages with this set of cover art.

Notes and references

Covers from editions in other languages

Bulgarian

The Bulgarian editions were published by Egmont Bulgaria, originally using Mary GrandPré's art work, later updating to using Jonny Duddle's version.[1]

2019 20th anniversary edition

In 2019, to celebrate the series being translated and published in Bulgaria for approaching twenty years, Egmont Bulgaria released a anniversary edition (юбилейно издание) in hardback that, for the first time, featured brand new exclusive cover art, illustrated by Lyuben Zidarov,[2] though the new looks had received some negative response.[3][4]

Back cover elements

Notes and references

Chinese

The Simplified Chinese editions were published by People's Literature Publishing House, originally using Mary GrandPré's art work, later updating to using Kazu Kibuishi's version, and with the version by Olly Moss available as ebooks. The Traditional Chinese editions were published by Crown Books, using Mary GrandPré's art work.

2008 Collector's Edition

In 2008, to celebrate the series being translated and published in China for eight years, People's Literature Publishing House held a competition searching for brand new designs for the Collector's Edition (珍藏版).[1][2] The publisher also took this opportunity to correct previous translation errors for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.[3] Artists and designers 李里,[4] 王翔, and 于国志 were selected to collaborate on the cover art and design.[5]

Notes and references

Danish

The Danish translations of the books, published by Gyldendal, used various sets of cover designs. The original design had inset illustrations by Per Jørgensen. A second design used the same illustrations as the full cover, along with the familiar Harry Potter logo. A third design, to date used only on the first four volumes, has banners of a single colour across the top half of the cover and symbolic art on the lower half. In 2015, hardbacks were updated to using Jonny Duddle's version.[1]

Original cover design of Harry Potter og De Vises Sten Second cover Third cover

First cover of Harry Potter og Hemmelighedernes Kammer Second cover Third cover

Original cover design of Harry Potter og Fangen fra Azkaban Second cover Third cover

First cover of Harry Potter og Flammernes Pokal Second cover Third cover

First cover of Harry Potter og Fønixordenen Second cover Another version

2012 paperback

In 2012, Gyldendal released a new set of paperbacks with brand new art work.[1] These editions also have black textblocks.

Dutch

The Dutch translations of the books are published jointly by Uitgeverij De Harmonie in the Netherlands, and Standaard Uitgeverij in Belgium. The cover art was created by Ien van Laanen and the covers were designed by Anne Lammers.

2010 Pocket & 2018 Anniversary Editions

In 2010, Dutch pocket editions were created to boost sales in the Netherlands by Uitgeverij De Harmonie. Erik Kriek created new cover designs for the books.[2]

In 2018, to celebrate 20 years of magic in the Netherlands, Uitgeverij De Harmonie released an exclusive and limited hardcover Anniversary boxset (Jubileum boxset) using the same cover art as the 2010 pocket edition.[3] The endpapers of those hardbacks use the same art of the respective front and back covers of the books, but in colours matching the colour used for the Harry Potter logo on each respective covers.[4]

Notes and references

Finnish

The Finnish translations of the books, published by Tammi, have cover art created by Mika Launis.

French

The French translations of the books, published by Éditions Gallimard, have cover art created by Jean-Claude Götting.[1][2] Götting initially painted front covers only for the first three volumes, and full (front and back) cover art for later volumes; the publishers later commissioned him to repaint the first three covers in full. The covers for most books have Harry and friends in Hogwarts uniform - exceptions being Goblet of Fire, where he wears his Triwizard Tournament robes, and Deathly Hallows, where he wears a simple jacket.

Original Folio Junior Edition cover for Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers Original regular edition full cover art Deluxe Edition

Original Folio Junior Edition cover for Harry Potter et la Chambre des secrets Original regular edition full cover art Deluxe Edition

Original Folio Junior Edition cover for Harry Potter et le Prisonnier d'Azkaban Original regular edition full cover art Deluxe Edition

Front cover for Harry Potter et la Coupe de feu full cover art Deluxe Edition

Front cover for Harry Potter et l'Ordre du phénix full cover art Deluxe Edition

Front cover for Harry Potter et le Prince de sang-mêlé full cover art Deluxe Edition

Front cover for Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort full cover art Deluxe Edition

2011 Folio Junior Edition

The first two Folio Junior Editions, editions specifically for children's literature in pocket format, used the same illustrations by Jean-Claude Götting. In 2011, new cover arts created by Gray318[3] are used for the third Folio Junior Edition (the second for the French Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

Notes and references

German

The German translations of the books, published by Carlsen Verlag, have cover art created by Sabine Wilharm for the classic Children's Edition.[1]

Adult Edition

Besides the classic editions, Carlsen Verlag also published an Adult Edition (Ausgabe für Erwachsene) in hardcover format throughout 2000 to 2007.

2013 Anniversary Pocket Edition

The regular German paperbacks used the same cover arts by Sabine Wilharm; however, in 2013, Carlsen Verlag published a special pocket edition, the anniversary edition (Jubiläumsausgabe), with brand new cover arts.[2] All Horcruxes are featured on the book spines, respectively Harry Potter's scars, T. M. Riddle's Diary, Marvolo Gaunt's Ring, Slytherin's Locket, Nagini, Ravenclaw's Diadem, and Hufflepuff's Cup from book one to seven. Spells appear on the textblocks.

2016 Pottermore Exclusive Audio Book

Pottermore commissioned Olly Moss to create new cover arts exclusively for the German audio books, of which the content remained the same, performed by Rufus Beck. The covers were revealed on Pottermore on 18 October, 2016,[3] the art of which also has alternative version with the English book titles sold as prints.[4]

This set of previously exclusive covers for the German edition was however later also used for the Spanish new release, read by Puerto Rican actor Carlos Ponce,[5] published during 2019.[6]

The above German edition represents all Audio format with Olly Moss' illustration.

2018 20 Years of Magic edition

Upon celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter, in June 2018, Carlsen Verlag announced a new set of hardback editions to be published in September 2018, with covers illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, alongside a brand new Harry Potter logo.[7] Audio editions are sold in a box set of 14 mp3-CDs, using the same art, again performed by Rufus Beck.[8]

Covers

Back cover elements

Notes and references

Indonesian

2017 celebration paperback

The Indonesian translations of the books, published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama, used to use Mary GrandPré's art work. Upon celebrating Harry Potter's 20th anniversary, brand new sets of cover art created by Nicholas Filbert were commissioned.[1] A foldable box was included upon the purchased of the seventh book, with the back of the box using the same image used on the book spines when putting them side-by-side: Harry on a broom grabbing the Golden Snitch, with various creatures soaring alongside him and the Flying Ford Anglia.[2]

Italian

The Italian translations of the books, published by Adriano Salani Editore, have cover art created by Serena Riglietti.

Lithuanian

The Lithuanian translations of the books, published by Alma Littera, used to use Mary GrandPré's art work. Upon celebrating Harry Potter's 20th anniversary, brand new sets of cover art created by Jekaterina Budrytė were commissioned.

Portuguese

The European Portuguese translations of the books are published by Editorial Presença, while Brazilian Portuguese translations are published by Editora Rocco. The European Portuguese publications have three different editions using sets of cover arts by Mary GrandPré, Bloomsbury Publishing's first complete adult edition, then Kazu Kibuishi. The regular Brazilian Portuguese editions used Mary GrandPré's art work.

Early European Portuguese editions

Prior to switching to using Mary GrandPré's art work, the first European Portuguese editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets featured unique cover art by Teresa Cruz Pinho.

2012 Brazilian Collector's Edition

While the regular Brazilian editions used Mary GrandPré's art work, in 2012, Editora Rocco released a Collector's Edition (edição de colecionador) in hardback, with brand new covers designed by Mario Alberto.[3]

Russian

2008 Black Deluxe Edition

The Russian translations of the books were originally published by Rosman Publishing prior to 2013. During its thirteen years of publication run, most editions used the American cover art by Mary GrandPré; however, in 2008, a hardcover Black Deluxe Edition (Черное подарочное издание) was released, using brand new cover arts illustrated by Andrew Ferez.[4] Much like Bloomsbury's original adult edition, the covers of the Russian Black Deluxe Edition depict a particular object or figure that played significant roles in the book.

Spanish

The Spanish translations of the books are published by Salamandra. The original cover art was created by Dolores Avendaño.

2014 Redesigns

In 2014, Tiago da Silva created new cover designs for the books as seen below.

Swedish

The Swedish translations of the books, published by Tiden, have cover art created by Alvaro Tapia.

Thai

The Thai translated 20th anniversary edition of the books, published by Nanmeebooks, have cover art created by Apolar (Arch Arut Angchuan).

Ukrainian

The Ukrainian translations of the books, published by Ababahalamaha, have cover art created by Vladislav Erko.

Hogwarts Library companion books

The cover of the original edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was designed to look like Harry Potter's copy of the book, with a sticker featuring his signature, and claw gashes over the cover material. The cover of the original edition of Quidditch Through the Ages was designed to look like a Hogwarts Librarybook, complete with seal.

In 2009, both books received redesigned covers, with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them having a painting of Hogwarts' coat of arms with the animals escaping the frame, and Quidditch Through the Ages having a Golden Snitch in a blue background.

The UK cover depicts a tree stump (from the story Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump) and a skull (The Tale of the Three Brothers). The US cover has objects from each story: a tree stump, a hopping pot, a fountain (with the three witches and the knight climbing the hill toward it), a heart and three hands holding the Deathly Hallows. Most international covers follow the UK cover - though the German cover has a wizard, the hopping pot, Babbitty Rabbity holding her wand and a skull, while the Spanish cover has Death, the hopping pot, the fountain, the heart, and Babbitty Rabbitty biting her wand alongside the stump, and the Japanese one just illustrates Babbitty Rabbitty.

2012 hardback

The 2012 repackaging, for the first time, brings all three companion book in a cohesive design. Both Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages used the same illustrations as their respective 2009 redesigns, though having different background colours. The Tales of Beedle the Bard specifically used the original UK tree stump illustration. This set is published in hardback and sold in both in the UK and US.

Hogwarts Library Box Set

2017 editions with new material

On 5 January, 2017, Pottermore confirmed new material to be added in the updated edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, along with revealing respective cover arts for the digital, US, and UK editions.

UK edition

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, this set has front and back cover art by Jonny Duddle, with new interior illustrations by Tomislav Tomić. This edition is available in both hardback and paperback, though the box set is only in hardback.[6]

Box Set

US edition

Published by Scholastic, this set has front and back cover art by Headcase Design. Unlike the UK set published in the same year, while also having new written material, the US edition did not receive an update with new interior illustrations.[7]

Box Set