Product Description

J.K. Rowling fills her books with references to history, myths, legends and literature. This text presents the stories behind the stories. It includes encounters with wizards like Circe and Merlin, and real-life alchemists of the middle ages. Adding to the experience are writers as varied as William Shakespeare, Gustave Flaubert, Charles Dickens, Ovid, John Donne, J.R.R. Tolkien and Ursula K. Le Guin.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #269420 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

lovely book for Harry Potter fans
This book is great!In it you will find answers to all the questions about Harry Potter and his world.When you've read it you understand J.K.rowlings books much better.It's information is based on Greek and Latin mythology,and the history of magic. You understand where J.K.Rowling got the names of people,places etc.It's very interesting and fascinating and I recomend you bought it for a present or for yourself.I'm a 13 year old and I enjoyed very much.My mother enjoyed it equaly so it's for children and adults.Enjoy it!!!!

Required reading for any self-respecting Potter fan
I have seen this book in stores many times but held back from buying it because it is aimed specifically at children, and I suspected it may be basic or even boring. I have just finished reading it and I was completely wrong! It is packed with fascinating and informative background information on characters, spells and events from the books, and, crucially, it inspired me to search for more books on Greek mythology and the history of witchcraft.

All the little things you needed to know.
I enjoyed this book in one sitting. It tells everything you need to know about Harry Potters' world and covers all four books to date. From the real Alchemists and Nicolas Flamel to where readers believe the word 'Quidditch' originates. It also answers some of the questions you may have asked yourself "If Dumbledore is so powerful, shouldn't he fight Voldemort?" and "Why are goblins such good bankers?". Also gives a great insight into some of those wonderful names, like Draco Malfroy, "Snake Bad Faith", no wonder he is a Slytherin! Wrote in an easy to read format and style. It is designed like an encyclopedia, full of Harry Potter knowledge and the truth and legend behind JK Rowlings imagination. Great for children and adults who want to know more about Harrys world .I will be keeping it to hand when I read more Harry Potter, just to dip into with interest. The only thing that could make this book better is if JK Rowling wrote it! Then we would know the whole truth about Harrys magical world.