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Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter (Complete Idiot's Guide to) |
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Review of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
- For fans of all ages ā¦
Here is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world that J.K. Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels. The Complete Idiotās GuideĀ® to the World of Harry Potter explores all aspects of the wizarding world and explains factually in terms of their relationship to historical, literary, religious, scientific, or mythological roots.
āIn-depth information on the facts behind all seven books in the Harry Potter series
āCovers all the relevant influences for the Harry Potter series, from religion and mythology to science and literature.
āCan be read from cover to cover or used as a quick-reference guide
Product Description
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Comments for The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
- Posted on 2008-05-09
Perfect for keeping the Potter magic alive!
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
Score: 5
- Posted on 2008-03-13
If you've read the Harry Potter books, you've read this book too.
This book was well-written, but it did not offer any information that cannot be gleaned from reading J.K. Rowling's original works. There are no startling tidbits of information that a majority of readers overlooked while reading the Harry Potter series.
If you have never read Rowling's books, this IS a good book for basic information. It doesn't offer plot summaries or character analysis; I believe the author would prefer you to read Rowling's works.
If you are a big fan of the Harry Potter series and you have read the books numerous times, this book has nothing new to offer. All that a true Harry Potter fan will find is some interesting information about non-magical British society that many American readers may not be familiar with.
Score: 3
- Posted on 2008-01-30
A Great Guide for Novice and Harry Potter Experts
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.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-01-13
Finally! A wonderful critical, academic look into HP!
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!
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-01-07
A Harry Potter Fan's Thoughts -- "Covers All Seven Books" is Slightly Misleading
"The Complete Idiots Guide to the World of Harry Potter" is a fine book in book in the line of reference books for the "Harry Potter" series. However, it's promoted as having "in-depth information on all seven books in the Harry Potter series." Hogwash. A quick look at the contents of the book reveals that it contains, at best, minimal information about the seventh book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." In fact, the information about the final book is stuffed into the final chapter and is not properly edited into the other chapters. For example, in one area, the book discusses magical gadgets and refers to Dumbledore's "Put-Outer." The author comments that it's "not the most creatively named object in the wizarding world." Well, if the information about the seventh book had been added into the text proper, then it would mention that this object full-well does have a proper name -- it's the "Deluminator."
Small problem such as this aside, this is a great reference book for the series. Sure, it may not be as in-depth as other guides, but it's written more for the average reader, perhaps someone who hasn't even read the "Harry Potter" books. And I can tell you, as a fan, and someone who has read all seven (as well as a number of others related to the series), this book has a lot of good information. It's taught me many references and things I didn't know about the series, and also serves as a great primer of the basics. It is split up into several chapters, which cover various things, including the famous names of the wizarding world, the various types of spells, the types of magical animals, the key objects that witches and wizards need, and much more.
Overall, both fans and those who've never opened one of the HP books before can get enjoyment out of this book. It serves as both a fine reference and refresher.
Score: 4
