British Library opens 'Harry Potter' anniversary exhibit

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A collection of items relating to the background and history of the Harry Potter franchise will be put on display at the British Library.

The Library's new exhibit Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the London museum features items ranging from J.K. Rowling's early drafts of the young wizard's story to artifacts and records from the real life people and events that inspired characters in the book series.

Items set to be on display include the first recorded mention of the phrase "abracadabra" which Rowling adapted into the killing curse "Avada Kedavra" and the tombstone of Nicolas Flamel a real historical figure who inspired a character in the book series.

Also included are early drafts of every book in the series including notes and annotations that Rowling scrawled on the pages early in the writing process.

The early versions of the books include deleted sequences, notes from Rowling's editors and early character concepts including series villain Voldemort being portrayed as a "red-eyed dwarf."

The exhibit will also spawn two new books of its own Harry Potter: A History of Magic and Harry Potter: A Journey Through A History of Magic detailing the items on display in the exhibit.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic will run from Oct. 20 through Feb. 28 at the British Library before opening at the New York Historical Society in October 2018.