Which is the best Harry Potter book cover?

June 26 marks the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone publishing date. It is estimated that over 200 different book covers have been made for the Harry Potter series since this first publication, so to honor this amazing milestone, we have decided to share some of our favorites.

The Original American Edition

Let’s first start off with a classic brought to us by Mary GrandPré. The first edition of the Harry Potter book covers from the United States of America are familiar and welcoming. They easily show the highlight of each book with vivid colors and a fair amount of detail. The amount of detail does seem to lessen on each cover, however, with the last three books being relatively plain. This makes sense, though, seeing that as Harry grows up, he focuses less on the beauty of this new magical world and becomes more serious as he faces increasingly dangerous trials.

2002 Ukrainian Edition

Second, we have the Ukrainian Harry Potter covers illustrated by Vladyslav Yerko. These covers are quite action-packed. There is a lot of imagery going on in each cover that constantly draws your eyes from one point to another. These interesting covers show a detailed scene or combination of scenes from a key point in the story in vibrant colors.

1999 Swedish Edition

Next are the Swedish covers illustrated by Alvaro Tapia. These covers are quite intriguing — the art style feels a little darker. With the exception of the first book cover, which understandably is bright and full of wonder, these illustrations have a more serious feel about them. Between the facial expressions and the darker color palette, we get the sense that Harry is becoming aware of the danger in his life.

2008 Collector’s Edition from China

These beautiful covers were the result of a team collaboration from 李里, 王翔, and 于国志 after a competition was held for new Collector’s Editions of Harry Potter books in China. These covers differ from the action-packed ones we’ve seen so far. Instead of being very active and bold, this imagery has a simplicity about them that is quite calming. The colors are paler and the illustrations flow together in a satisfying way.

20th Anniversary Edition from Thailand

Finally, we leave you with this masterpiece by Arch Apolar. The brand new Harry Potter book covers from Thailand are magnificent works of art. All seven of these covers are chock full of beautiful illustrations that tell a story within themselves. Each cover has front and back imagery that features a key character on the back as well. Despite all these details, the cover never appears crowded, which shows us just how talented this artist is. One could stare at these covers for hours and still find more subtle details tying the piece together.

Which Harry Potter book cover is your favorite? Did we mention it in our list? Let us know in the comments.

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The evolution of Harry Potter

Credit: Illustration by EW

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first hit shelves in the United Kingdom on June 26, 1997, arriving stateside as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on Sept. 1, 1998. In the decades since, author J.K. Rowling has released six subsequent Potter novels and the series has seen new life in bookstores thanks to anniversary editions and new illustrators. See dozens of Harry Potter covers through the years, ahead.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Bloomsbury UK Children's Edition, Illustrated by Thomas Taylor

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Bloomsbury

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 20th Anniversary Edition Cover, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone designed by Minalima

Credit: Minalima

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 2020 hardcover edition, illustrated by MinaLima

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Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Bloomsbury

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Bloomsbury House Hardcover Editions (to be released July 2, 2018)

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Bloomsbury House Paperback Editions (to be released July 2, 2018)

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 20th Anniversary Edition Cover, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Bloomsbury UK Children's Edition, Illustrated by Cliff Wright

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

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Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, Bloomsbury UK Children's Edition, Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

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Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, 20th Anniversary Edition Cover, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Bloomsbury UK Adult Edition, Cover Art by Andrew Davidson and Webb&Webb

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Credit: Brian Selznick/© 2018 Scholastic

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 20th Anniversary Edition Cover, Illustrated by Brian Selznick

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