Harry Potter Inside

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com:
Anyone who has read the Harry Potter books is aware that author J.K. Rowling infuses her stories with references to mythology, literature, history, and legends. Even if you don’t know exactly what a manticore or a griffin is, it’s likely that many readers have at least a vague sense of the existence of these creatures in ancient lore. Inspired by Rowling’s suggestion to a young fan to “go and look it up,” author David Colbert did quite a bit of investigation himself. The result is the fun, entertaining, and enlightening Magical Worlds of Harry Potter.

From alchemy to hippogriffs to veela, Colbert explores the fascinating meanings between the lines and buried within the names of characters and places in all the Harry Potter books. Chapter headings include such intriguing questions as “Have Witches Always Flown on Broomsticks?” “Why Would Chocolate Help After Escaping a Dementor?” and “Are Any of the Famous Witches and Wizards Real?” A small purple tab in the margin of the first page of each chapter guides readers looking for specific subjects: Divination, Goblins, McGonogall, Owls, Voldemort, Wands, etc. Curious readers will learn the link between Hagrid’s pet dog, Fluffy, and the mythological Greek sentry to Hades, Cerberus. And they’ll get a taste of scholar Joseph Campbell’s theories on heroism, with Harry as the hero, of course. The true magic of this book is that it will surely inspire Harry Potter fans to delve deeper into the various areas it explores. Readers will soon be clamoring for collections of Greek, Japanese, Indian, and Egyptian mythology, as well as copies of The Sword in the Stone, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Canterbury Tales, and Treasure Island, to discover the sources of their favorite Harry Potter books. (All ages) –Emilie Coulter

Book Description:
The ultimate fan’s guide to the underlying mythology contained in the multi-million-selling novels and record-breaking film.

“Potter fanatics…can revel in details and hidden mysteries of the series.” (Columbus Dispatch)

Customer Reviews

excelent reference book by Tina Lemke
I purchased this item for my pre-teen daughter. She is a very detail oriented person and she loves this book. It was shipped promptly in great condition.

Very cool book. by Ms. Melissa Goldsberry
This is a great Harry Potter companion book. Alot of interesting information and fascinating subjects. Highly recommended for any Harry fan!

8 year old son loved it by Henny Penny
I bought this for my 8 year old. He is learning more about mythology from Harry Potter and this book than he will ever learn in his public school.

3 stars by Amanda Killgore
Pullman’s His Dark Materials series has raised many questions and much public interest. Although much of this book will make little sense if you have not read the trilogy, the information contained herein does have something to offer both those who have and have not done so. If you have, then Mr. Colbert’s work will give you greater understanding and insight. If you have not, it answers the qualms about reading it that you may have. No Christians will be won over to the idea of supporting the series. The atheistic and Gnostic bents to Dark Materials are clearly stated. However, if you are on the fence, taking a look at this book might help you decide which way to go.

Amanda Killgore

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