The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter

Any collection including Harry Potter fans - and all public lending libraries will qualify - will find plenty of interest in this guide to THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, a survey of the history, mythology and science of all seven Potter novels. Here's a inspired guide which covers everything from herbs and plants to magic, 'the King's English', and meanings of British and mythology terminology - all under one cover. Perfect for keeping the Potter magic alive! Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Covering everything from The Ministry of Magic to Draughts and Potions, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter" is a handy reference for novice and Harry Potter experts alike. The book gives readers an understanding of the origins of Rowling's work. It can be read from cover to cover, in sections, or by chapters of interest. The book is divided into five user-friendly sections. Sprinkled throughout the chapters, the author includes "boxes" that clarify wizarding terminology, explain unfamiliar British terms, discuss how the story ties into mythology, folklore, and biblical myths, and give travel tips that guide the reader around the wizarding world. Also provided, are list of "wizarding websites" that will be of interest to avid fans, and a glossary of British terms that can be used to easily locate and understand unfamiliar British terms that appear in the series. Whether you are attending a Harry Potter party and need a crash course, or whether you are a hardcore fan and need to do some fact checking, this book is an ideal resource. The information is organized in an easy-to-use format that is not overwhelming. Readers will appreciate the smaller trim size (6 X 9) which fits nicely in any backpack.

What an amazing, thoroughly researched guide for those of us in and out of the academic realm! You don't have to be a scholar to "get" this book and its analysis of the world of Harry Potter...but even if you are, you'll also find new insights! J.K. Rowling should be proud of what she has created...the stimulation she has provided in the minds of her fans. Brilliant!

Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter by Tere StoufferWhen I got this book I thought it might just be a recap of the Harry Potter books, all of which I enjoyed immensely. However, to my surprise and delight this is truly a GUIDE, although certainly not written for idiots, despite the catchy name of the series of excellent and informative books! Instead, it holds a wealth of fascinationg knowledge, showing that J.K. Rowling really researched her fantastic stories in minute detail,rather than making it all up. In this guide, which you can use like a dictionary to look up terms you don't understand in the British or archaic language, or which you can enjoy reading straight through and devouring the knowledge of medieval practices, beliefs, cures, spells, and more. You can understand terms used in fairy tales and old English and Celtic lore; increase your vocabulary to include many real words you didn't know; understand references to mythological traditions and floklore; have insight into the beliefs and legends of Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian, and Roman gods and traditions. You will learn about many herbs and the actual medicinal practices of ancient times, on which Rowling bases her potions. And, of course, many of the references and situations in the Harry Potter Series are explained and clarified, without ruining the plot of those you haven't yet read. This is a fascinating book to read even if you have not read the Rowling books. I highly recommend it!