This text is one of the many self-aggrandizing books authored by the celebrated wizard Gilderoy Lockhart. The book's specific physical appearance, such as its cover art or size, is not described in the original novels. It was part of the extensive and expensive required reading list for second-year students taking Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1992-1993 school year.
Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much More is a non-fiction work purported to be a guide to various troublesome jinxes and curses. Its primary purpose is educational, intended for Hogwarts students to learn about identifying and potentially countering these minor forms of Dark Magic. The title suggests it contains detailed information on at least three specific afflictions:
The phrase “and Much, Much More” implies the book covers a wider range of minor dark charms. However, given Gilderoy Lockhart's fraudulent nature and his penchant for stealing other wizards' achievements, the actual utility and accuracy of the information within the book are highly questionable. The book's content likely focuses more on Lockhart's fabricated encounters with these curses than on practical defensive magic.
The book was written by Gilderoy Lockhart at some point prior to his brief teaching career at Hogwarts. It was published as part of his series of best-selling autobiographical works which earned him considerable fame. In the summer of 1992, it was added to the official booklist for second-year students taking Defence Against the Dark Arts, a decision made by Lockhart himself upon his appointment as the subject's professor.
The book is first mentioned on the required equipment list that Harry Potter and his classmates receive for their second year. The sheer number of Lockhart's books on the list, including this one, causes significant financial strain for families like the Weasley family and prompts commentary from Arthur Weasley on Lockhart's excessive vanity. This title, along with the others in his bibliography, serves to establish Gilderoy Lockhart's character as a self-obsessed and commercially-driven celebrity wizard, long before his incompetence and fraudulent past are fully revealed. It is a symbol of his manufactured fame and the superficial nature of his tenure as a Hogwarts professor. Students like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger were required to purchase and study it as part of their coursework, which largely consisted of reading Lockhart's own works and re-enacting his supposed adventures.
In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a prop for the book was created. The cover features a large, stylized portrait of a winking Gilderoy Lockhart against a pink background, with the title in elaborate gold lettering. This design choice further emphasizes the character's vanity and unsuitability as a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. (film)