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: #4587170 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-15
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Amazon.com Review
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

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 & Up--A book for librarians and teachers to introduce fantasy, mythology, and folklore; a good reference source; and a title that will appeal to Harry Potter's multitude of fans. The 53 entries, most of them two to six pages in length, are arranged in alphabetical order by a highlighted keyword. For example, words such as "Alchemy," "Animagus," "Grindylows," "Voldemort," and "wizards" are defined, traced to their usage in other tales, and given an expanded description. Some see-also references appear in the margins. Long after the enthusiasm for Harry and friends has abated, this small volume will serve as a resource to answer questions that may result from reading other stories in the genre. Buy two copies-one for reference and one for circulation.

Mary Lankford, Library Consultant, Austin, TX

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
“A guide to the history, literature and mythology Rowling sprinkles throughout her Harry Potter books... Fun to read.”
—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Have you ever wondered where J.K. Rowling gets her ideas for fantastic beasts and magical critters? You can learn about them in The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter.”
—Detroit Free Press

“Digs deep into different cultures and mythologies to piece together the origins of Rowling’s characters. Learn about griffins, goblins, Latin, and why Harry is a universal hero.”
—Baltimore Sun

“A feast for future game-show contestants… You could use it as reference to set up a round of Jeopardy!”
—Orlando Sentinel

“A glorious tribute to Rowling’s work.”
—Times (London)

“David Colbert gives a fresh insight into Rowling’s books.”
—New Straits Times (Malaysia)

“Excellent.”
—The Nation (Thailand)

“The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter might just be the trivia to appease Potter fans…Colbert’s work is at its best when delving into the historic basis behind characters, creatures and magical lore.”
—Rambles.net

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference
I am an adult Harry Potter fan, and I found this to be an excellent guide to the historical events and figures behind the characters in the books. I learned about the real Nicolas Flamel, for instance, and about many mythological creatures similar to those in the Potter books. Surprisingly, it is a much better guide than the 500-plus page volume, "Beacham's Sourcebook...Exploring Harry Potter" by Elizabeth Schafer. Schafer's book seems at first glance to be a well-researched guide to the ideas and figures behind the series, but I found her analysis and conclusions to be somewhat forced. It strikes the reader as more of an adult reference book than "The Magical Worlds..." does--this one can definitely be enjoyed by young readers-- but Colbert's guide is much more grounded in fact, sticking to explaining who the historical figures were and what events are related to the Potter books. Each chapter is short, explaining one name, creature, or idea. This made it very easy to explore in short stretches, without having to start from the beginning. It doesn't pretend to offer a deep analysis of Rowling's motives or thought process, but does give us the background to further appreciate her work. Think of it as a quick course in mythology and history as related to the Harry Potter books. I find myself referring to it repeatedly, while Schafer's book sits on my shelf. A must-read for any Potter fan interested in learning more about his magical world!

A great resource
This little book is a great resource for us Harry Potter fans. (Yes, I'll admit it, I'm hooked.) The book is a wonderfully eclectic collection of little articles, each dealing with something different from the many J.K. Rowling books. The first four Harry Potter books are touched on, as is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Quidditch Through the Ages. A lot is covered in this book, including (but not limited to) the history/mythology behind various magical creatures and creatures, the meanings of various names and words, and much more. A fun read, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! IT'S INSIGHTFUL AND A FASCINATING READ!!!
This wonderful book covers a broad array of fascinating topics related to our favorite wizard and hero, Harry Potter. "The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter" reveals the actual historical and mythological backgrounds of the magic spells, magical beasties, locations, good wizards and the nasties that make up J.K. Rowling's world(s). Before I read "The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter", I had no idea that J.K. Rowling infused the Harry Potter stories with SO MANY inside jokes and hidden meanings. Rowling was brilliant in creating and intertwining everything in her stories. David Colbert, the author of "Magical Worlds" was equally brilliant in explaining it all clearly and concisely. David Colbert discusses Harry's relationship to people like Ovid, Shakespeare, Dickens and Flaubert in a highly informative yet lighthearted and irreverent way. Reading in bed at 2:00 in the morning, I was laughing out loud. The book is beautifully illustrated.

Now that I've read "The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter" I have an incredibly greater appreciation for the richness and depth of the Harry Potter epic. Whether you are simply a curious Muggle or a die-hard Harry Potter fan, this book is a MUST READ. It's as good a read as the stories themselves!