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Neil Gaiman
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The Books of Magic Paperback – April 14, 1993

by Neil Gaiman (Author), John Bolton (Illustrator), Scott Hampton (Illustrator),
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 498 ratings
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From Neil Gaiman, the bestselling novelist and creator of the world-renowned comics title The Sandman, comes a mesmerizing tale of the dangers and opportunities of youth, and its endless possibilities.  Illustrated by four of comics' most accomplished artists, John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess and Paul Johnson, THE BOOKS OF MAGIC collects all four issues of the original miniseries that introduced the character of Timothy Hunter and set the stage for his continuing adventures.

Timothy Hunter could be the most powerful magician in the world, but does he really want to be?  Guided through the magical world starting at the begining of time by a group of DC Universe magicians, often refered to as the Trenchcoat Brigade (John Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Mister E, and Doctor Occult), they attempt to aid Timothy in his decision whether or not to embrace his gift.  However, by the time Timothy makes a choice, it may have already been made for him.
Previous page
  1. Part of Series
    The Books of Magic
  2. Print length
    200 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    DC Comics
  5. Publication date
    April 14, 1993
  6. Dimensions
    6.63 x 0.32 x 10.14 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1563890828
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1563890826
  9. See all details
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About the Author

Neil Gaiman is the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of AMERICAN GODS and CORALINE (illustrated by Dave McKean).  His other novels include NEVERWHERE, STARDUST (winner of the American Library Association's Alex Award as one of 2000's top ten adult novels for young adults), the short fiction collection SMOKE AND MIRRORS and the critically acclaimed comic book series THE SANDMAN.  He is the author of the children's book THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS (illustrated by Dave McKean).  Among his many awards are the Hugo, the Nebula, the World Fantasy Award and the Bram Stoker Award.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ DC Comics (April 14, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1563890828
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1563890826
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.63 x 0.32 x 10.14 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 498 ratings

About the author

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Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman

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Neil Gaiman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Norse Mythology, Neverwhere, and The Graveyard Book. Among his numerous literary awards are the Newbery and Carnegie medals, and the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner awards. He is a Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
498 global ratings
Great condition - exactly as described.
5 Stars
Great condition - exactly as described.
The book arrived in a timely manner and is in pristine condition. Great seller!
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Top reviews from the United States

Corey Beth
5.0 out of 5 stars Gaiman is Grand as Always
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2022
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As all things Neil Gaiman, this was a treat to read. There aren't words for me to explain the dark beauty & truth he captures & conveys in every story he creates. Many familiar faces from Sandman & the rest of the DC pantheon appear in the Books of Magic, but you need no prior knowledge to read this story that ultimately stands alone. My only complaint is that I didn't find it sooner... but everything "new" I discover of Neil Gaiman's work is a cause for joy. Long story short, read the damn thing. What's not to like?
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Bruno M
5.0 out of 5 stars The Books Of Magic - THE DELUXE EDITION HC (2013)
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2013
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* * * * * CONTENTS AND OVERVIEW * * * * *

This over-sized hardcover collects The Books Of Magic #1 to 4, which were originally published as a miniseries consisting of four double-sized prestige-format issues back in the early nineties. Written by Neil Gaiman, this series features Timothy Hunter, who becomes a magician apprentice under the wing of occult powerhouses of the Vertigo/DC Universe, such as John Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Doctor Occult and Mister E. The plot revolves around Tim Hunter having the potential to become the greatest mage of this age and the forces of good and evil disputing the young boy to attract him to their side.

This series presents a journey to the present, the past and the future of the Vertigo/DC magical universe, visiting distant realms such as Faerie, Camelot and Hell among others. If you are familiar with DC history, you'll love to to travel through and relive all of its magical glory. If you are new to it, you'll be inebriated with infinite realms of posibilities and at the end of the tale you'll want more. Neil Gaiman makes and excellent work condensing decades worth of occult DC history into a compelling story appealing to a wide audience.

* * * * * ABOUT THE ART * * * * *

Each one of the four chapters is gorgeously illustrated by a roster of top artits consisting of John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess and Paul Johnson. The art is truly amazing, fully hand-painted, with a scope of ambition that matches the grandeur of the tale at hand. Each artist has a very distinctive style ad vision but they all work perfectly when put together into this epic tale.

* * * * * ABOUT THE EDITION * * * * *

This is a very handsome, high quality book. I'm glad to see that DC/Vertigo is putting a serious effort into improving its Deluxe editions line.

- The paper stock is glossy and heavy weight
- The printing quality is great, with sharp and accurate art reproduction.
- The book features a fully printed hardback under the dustjacket (unlike many of DC/Vertigo HCs that sport an awfully cheap black cardboard presentation).
- It's a solid glued-binding volume. Of course a sewn one would have been better, but there's very little gutter loss, so it's fine.
- The extras consist of 8 pages of Charles Vess and Paul Johnson art and sketches as well as Neil Gaiman's outline of issue 3.
- The book includes a 2-pages intro by fantasy and science fiction writer Roger Zelazny from 1993.

* * * * * CONCLUSION * * * * *

Great story, beautiful art, high quality edition, a book definitely worth of your money. And if you are into the DC's New 52, you will be amazed to see how relevant this series still is in DC's current continuity, as Jeff Lemire's Justice League Dark draws many elements from it.
24 people found this helpful
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Thor's Hammer
4.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Magic returns.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2015
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I purchased the first Book of Magic comics and was pleased that this edition has come around again. Yup, it seemed a Harry Potter knock-off then too although utilizing famous and infamous DC mystics to illustrate the dangers and wonders of magic. Tim begins like any twelve-year-old would being chased by four men in trench coats; he runs away as fast as he can. If this was a Thomas Harris story, Hannibal would be dining on his liver. Yet these four offer him wonders and the little guy buys in.

Later Book of Magic series had a teenage older cynical Tim Hunter- I liked this younger version better. He's just starting out and unaware of the danger up ahead. The mistakes he makes are honest ones. Like John Constantine, the British wit is dry and an acquired taste and Tim is a bit mouthy.The art collaborators are excellent compliments to Neil Gaiman's story. The final story is both twisted and frightening with art to match.
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Pyre
5.0 out of 5 stars The original bespectacled boy wizard
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
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Years before Harry Potter went to Hogwarts, another boy with glasses and an owl learned about magic — in an entirely different way. Here's a quick tour of the supernatural side of the DC Comics Universe, as young Timothy Hunter is introduced to it, and given his choice between a life of magic (in which he may become this age's greatest wizard) or a life without it (in which science rules). This graphic novel (originally a four-issue comic limited series) spawned a much longer series of the same name, under DC's Vertigo label.
3 people found this helpful
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Ryland Matthews
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023
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Neil gaiman is always the best, I read almost everything he's ever written and I'm never left disappointed I look forward to reading his next work
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Wayne
5.0 out of 5 stars Entering a magical world - The Books of Magic
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2007
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Neil Gaiman is one of those authors who just draws you into the worlds he creates. Best known in the comic world for his work on the Sandman this is another series of his that just has to be experienced and enjoyed.
Welcome to the world of Tim Hunter. Tim is nothing special at first glance. He is just a boy trying to make his way in the world but he doesn't know what his future holds for him. Enter "The Trenchcoat Brigade" - The Phantom Stranger, Mister E, John Constantine, and Dr. Occult. These four members of the world of Magic in DC take Tim on a tour throughout the DC Universe. Tim will travel with his various guides from the beginning of time to the end meeting some of the most powerful and important characters of magic and mystery. Before all is said and done Tim will even spend some time with Death from the Sandman series.
I hate reading reviews that tell you everything so I won't do it here. Just remember when you enter a world by Gaiman as soon as you say yes you are have given yourself over to the world he has created for you. If you read and enjoy this book there are other graphic novels from the series that was launched from this book. If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman it is just something you have to have. Enjoy.
One person found this helpful
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Aditya Shevade
3.0 out of 5 stars Least favorite Neil Gaiman book for me
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2015
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didn't live up to the hype. Least favorite Neil Gaiman book for me.
2 people found this helpful
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Robert A. Sloan
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2021
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The art is fantastic and Gaiman as brilliant as ever. It was a bit tricky reading it on my phone but well worth it. A bit easier to keep track of in Kindle format and easier to protect from damage.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Matheus Lima
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente HQ
Reviewed in Brazil on July 20, 2023
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Neil Gailman escreve histórias com um nível de profundidade e com leveza sem igual. Todo fã de HQs deveria ler.
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Cliente de Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars Un recorrido por el mundo mágico de DC
Reviewed in Mexico on February 13, 2023
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La historia y el arte son hermosos y funcionan como una buena introducción para muchos de los personajes mágicos de DC comics: Constantine, Mr E, Dr Occult, Zatanna, los Eternos, etc. lo recomendaria para los que apenas van comenzando.
Por cierto una adaptación de esta historia en Netflix como respuesta a las peliculas de HP seria maravillosa, tiene muchas similitudes con esa franquicia a pesar de que el comic saliera años antes que los libros
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars gaiman's best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2023
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dark and interesting
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Mark Lucas-Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars The Books of Magic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2022
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What can I say about this anthology of the four Books of Magic? Nothing negative that is certain. Neil Gaiman’s imagination is boundless, here he has taken four iconic figures in John Constantine, Mister E, et al who take a twelve year old boy,Timothy (Tim) Hunter, on a series of adventures into the past, the future and to worlds and places both alongside and tangential to our own. Their purpose is to show him magic with all its concomitant elements both for good and evil. Ultimately Tim has the choice as to whether he will accept magic or deny it.
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Cliente de Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno.
Reviewed in Mexico on July 31, 2017
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Este cómic incluye varios personajes de vértigo como Constantine y Dr Fate. Además fue escrito por Neil Gaiman!! Tiene un toque de Sandman.
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