Hogwarts textbooks are the primary educational tools used by students. While varying in size and specific appearance, they typically have leather or parchment covers with titles embossed in gold, silver, or coloured lettering. Unlike their Muggle counterparts, many wizarding textbooks are enchanted. A common feature is the inclusion of moving pictures and animated diagrams to illustrate complex concepts, such as the correct wand movement for a spell in The Standard Book of Spells. Some books possess more advanced and often dangerous properties related to their subject matter. Notable examples include:
Students often purchase books second-hand to save money, leading to copies filled with previous owners' notes, doodles, and corrections, as famously seen with Harry Potter's copy of Advanced Potion-Making.
The fundamental purpose of a Hogwarts textbook is to convey knowledge on a specific branch of magic. They contain theoretical foundations, historical context, and practical, step-by-step instructions for performing spells, brewing Potions, caring for magical creatures, and other magical disciplines. Beyond simply containing information, some textbooks are enchanted to be interactive teaching aids. The aggressive nature of The Monster Book of Monsters, for instance, serves as a practical first lesson in handling dangerous creatures. The books are an essential component of the Hogwarts curriculum, with professors assigning readings and expecting students to have studied the relevant chapters before attempting practical magic in class. Each year, students receive a list of required texts along with their Hogwarts letter.
The acquisition of textbooks is an annual ritual for Hogwarts students, typically done at the bookshop Flourish and Blotts. The cost of a full set of new books can be considerable, placing a financial strain on families such as the Weasley family, who relied heavily on second-hand copies. The content and selection of textbooks were typically at the discretion of the Hogwarts professors. However, during the 1995-1996 school year, the Ministry of Magic exerted control over the curriculum. Dolores Umbridge, in her capacity as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and later High Inquisitor, mandated a single, theory-only textbook, Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard, to prevent students from learning practical defensive magic. This act highlights the political and educational significance of the textbooks chosen for students.
While a constant presence in student life, several specific textbooks play crucial roles in the narrative: