‘Book of Spells’ transcript
Wonderbook: Book of Spells, or simply Book of Spells, is a video game/augmented reality book for PlayStation 3 created by Sony and J. K. Rowling, released on 13 November 2012 as part of the Pottermore partnership. A follow-up, Book of Potions, was released on 12 November 2013.
In a similar vein to Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Book of Spells is written from an in-universe perspective: a guide to spellwork by Miranda Goshawk. It contained new content from J.K. Rowling, notably backstory on several spells. For example:
The gruesome result when a dark wizard, skilful but unworthy, tried to perform the Patronus Charm.
The story of the thief that was the first user of ‘Alohomora’ in Britain.
You may think you’re absent-minded, but you’ll never be as bad as famous arithmancer Bridget Wenlock.
Conjuring living creatures out of thin air is immensely difficult as the Principle of Artificianimate Quasi-Dominance will attest, but for reasons still investigated by the Department of Mysteries, two types are easier than any other: snakes and birds.
This post contains a transcript of the information from the game:
Miranda Goshawk’s Book of Spells
I was born into a poor family, the last of nine sisters. When I was a youngster, there was no basic spellbook to give a beginner witch like myself the clear and simple instructions that would have made magic a much less mysterious process. I struggled to understand the complicated instructions in the old-fashioned text books I was given at school. Back at home I was at the mercy of my older sisters’ mischievous attempts to give me the wrong incantation for every spell I attempted. Hand-me-down robes are merely embarrassing - hand-me-down spells can be dangerous.
When I grew up, I quickly realised that the help I had craved simply did not exist - and so I created the book you are holding now: the ‘Book of Spells’.
I could not be prouder that this simple school text book is now being used in schools for magic all over the world, and has been translated into seventy-two languages, including Gobbledegook and Mermish. I also had a few special editions printed for my dear sisters, which unfortunately contained a few misprints that led to quite a few comical mishaps! But Romilda’s tail has vanished now, and we are all friends again.
The 'Book of Spells’ will enable you to perform a range of basic and not-so-basic spells that will enhance, protect and enliven your life. At the end of each chapter, you will find a CONUNDRUM: a little poem with a hidden message concerning those characteristics and habits that make witches and wizards truly great. Each conundrum tells the story of a witch or wizard who did not possess the necessary traits, and paid the price (names have been changed to protect the inadequate). The solution to all the conundrums can be found when you have mastered every spell in this book (but by that time, you may not need the solution at all).
Good luck - stay safe - and make good magic!
In this chapter we’ll learn four spells ideal for developing your wand skills. Each new spell is sure to be useful throughout your wizarding career, whether you’re making objects fly, or lighting your way in dark places. Practise hard and you’ll soon be ready to take on this chapter’s final test, and will be on your way to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard.
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