======Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Book]]
  * **Owners:** [[Hogwarts Library]]; temporarily borrowed by [[Hermione Granger]].
  * **Author:** Unknown.
=====Description and Appearance=====
//Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century// is a historical text detailing major occurrences within the [[wizarding world]] between the years 1901 and 2000. No physical description of the book's cover or size is provided in the novels. As a standard [[Hogwarts]] library book, it is presumably a bound volume intended for academic study and general reading. Its content serves as an important chronicle of modern [[wizarding history]], covering conflicts and societal shifts that shaped the world in which [[Harry Potter]] and his contemporaries live.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The book itself is not described as having any inherent magical properties. Its purpose is purely educational, providing readers with a comprehensive account of significant magical historical events. It is used for study, research, and, in the case of [[Hermione Granger]], for "light reading." Accessing its information is its primary function, helping witches and wizards understand the recent past, including the political and social climate leading up to the [[First Wizarding War]] and [[Second Wizarding War]].
=====History=====
While the book's publication history is unknown, its title implies that it covers the entire century. The text would therefore document the two most significant conflicts to engulf the European [[wizarding world]] during that period.
  * **The Global Wizarding War (c. 1920s - 1945):** The book would almost certainly dedicate a significant portion to the rise of the dark wizard [[Gellert Grindelwald]]. This section would cover [[Grindelwald]]'s reign of terror across [[Europe]], his quest for the [[Deathly Hallows]], and his philosophical belief in wizarding superiority over [[Muggles]]. The conflict culminated in the legendary 1945 duel between [[Grindelwald]] and his former friend, [[Albus Dumbledore]], which resulted in [[Grindelwald]]'s defeat and imprisonment in [[Nurmengard]]. This event was so monumental that it was noted on [[Dumbledore]]'s [[Chocolate Frog Card]].
  * **The First Wizarding War (c. 1970 - 1981):** The latter part of the book would detail the rise of [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] in [[Britain]]. This period was characterized by immense fear, disappearances, and open conflict. The war saw the formation of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]], a secret society founded by [[Albus Dumbledore]] to combat [[Voldemort]]. The conflict ended abruptly on 31 October 1981, when [[Voldemort]] attacked the [[Potter family]] in [[Godric's Hollow]], leading to his own mysterious downfall after his [[Killing Curse]] rebounded upon him.
It is likely the book also covers other political and social developments, such as changes in leadership at the [[Ministry of Magic]] or significant legal reforms throughout the century.
=====Role in the Story=====
The book //Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century// is mentioned by name only once. In //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, [[Hermione Granger]] tells [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] that she checked it out from the [[Hogwarts Library]] for "a bit of light reading."
This brief mention serves two important narrative functions. Firstly, it immediately establishes [[Hermione]]'s character as exceptionally studious, intellectually curious, and someone who finds academic texts enjoyable. Secondly, it provides early world-building, informing the reader that the [[wizarding world]] has a recent and significant history beyond the immediate story of [[Voldemort]]'s return. It subtly foreshadows the importance of [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s past and the duel with [[Grindelwald]], a key piece of his backstory that is fully explored in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The events surrounding [[Gellert Grindelwald]], which would be a main feature of the book, are the central focus of the //Fantastic Beasts// film series, which acts as a prequel to the //Harry Potter// story (Fantastic Beasts film series).
  * The specific author of //Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century// has never been officially confirmed by J.K. Rowling or in any supplementary material. While [[Bathilda Bagshot]] is the author of //[[A History of Magic]]//, it is not known if she also wrote this more modern history text.