Harry Potter: Guides Essays & further looks at the Phenomenon
Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter with expert guides, in-depth essays, and fascinating analyses exploring the phenomenon. Discover books, theories, and insights on J.K. Rowling's iconic series.
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The Wisdom of Harry Potter
by Edmund M. Kern
Edmund M. Kern argues that the attraction of these stories to children comes not only from the fantastical elements embedded in the plots, but also from their underlying moral messages. Children genuinely desire to follow Harry, as he confronts a host of challenges in an uncertain world, because of his desire to do the right thing. Harry's coherent yet flexible approach to dealing with evil reflects an updated form of Stoicism, says Kern. --from publisher description.
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Harry Potter and Philosophy
by David Baggett
In Harry Potter and Philosophy, seventeen philosophical experts unlock some of Hogwarts' secret panels, and uncover surprising insights that are enlightening both for wizards and the most discerning muggles.
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The Psychology of Harry Potter
by Neil Mulholland
Harry Potter has provided a portal to the wizarding world for millions of readers, but an examination of Harry, his friends and his enemies will take us on yet another journey: through the psyche of the Muggle (and wizard!) mind. The twists and turns of the series, as well as the psychological depth and complexity of J. K. Rowling’s characters, have kept fans enthralled with and puzzling over the many mysteries that permeate Hogwarts and beyond: • Do the Harry Potter books encourage disobedience? • Why is everyone so fascinated by Professor Lupin? • What exactly will Harry and his friends do when they finally pass those N.E.W.T.s? • Do even wizards live by the ticking of the clock? • Is Harry destined to end up alone? And why did it take Ron and Hermione so long to get together? Now, in The Psychology of Harry Potter, leading psychologists delve into the ultimate Chamber of Secrets, analyzing human mind and motivation by examining the themes and characters that make the Harry Potter books the bestselling fantasy series of all time. Grab a spot on the nearest couch, and settle in for some fresh revelations about our favorite young wizard!
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Field Guide to Harry Potter
by Colin Duriez
A companion to the Harry Potter books features an overview of the life of J. K. Rowling; discusses the themes presented in the books; offers an A-to-Z of beings, places, things, and events; and includes plot summaries of all seven books.
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Prejudice in Harry Potter's World
by Karen A. Brown
Crisp, insightful, engaging, and thoroughly researched, "Prejudice in Harry Potter's World" turns the tables on literary critique. Brown shows uncommon, in-depth knowledge of the Harry Potter canon. And she delves straight into her analysis of social themes in J.K. Rowling's work without pulling any punches. First, the book provides a detailed outline of the social hierarchy in the so-called "wizarding world." Then, the author offers perceptive and highly relevant commentaries. Each chapter focuses on how a select group contributes to wizarding society and helps to maintain the social order.whether by embracing their own oppression or by oppressing others. What are some of the consequences of institutional discrimination in Harry Potter's world and how do they compare with social trends in the real world? This book provides all the answers. Not authorized by J.K. Rowling.
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The Gospel according to Harry Potter, Revised and Expanded Edition
by Connie Neal
In this inspiring consideration of the spiritual themes in the popular Harry Potter series, well-known Christian author and Harry Potter fan Connie Neal explores the world of magic and mystery created by J. K. Rowling alongside the stories and grand themes of the Bible. Contrary to those who reject the series as a threat to the Christian faith, Neal demonstrates how the lessons in Harry Potter not only echo many of the stories in the Bible but reinforce the central messages of Christianity. This revised and expanded edition explores all seven installments in the Harry Potter series. (This book has not been prepared, endorsed, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties.)
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The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter
by Dr. George Trevarthen
Analyzes the symbolic details and connotations within the Harry Potter book series, using psychological, theological, and historical references and placing the analyses in a spiritual light.
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The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter
by David Colbert
Explores the sources and meanings of aspects of the literary world of Harry Potter within myths, legends, and history.
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The Deathly Hallows Lectures
by John Granger
The fastest-selling book in publication history, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS was a critical success and is loved by fans around the world. In THE DEATHLY HALLOWS LECTURES, John Granger reveals the Potter finale's brilliant details, themes and meanings. Even the most ardent of Harry Potter fans will be surprised by and delighted with the Hogwarts Professor's explanations of the three dimensions of meaning in DEATHLY HALLOWS to include why Ms. Rowling chose to make Lily's eyes green, why Harry buried Moody's eye where and when he did, and why Ollivander prefers the three wand cores he does. Ms. Rowling has said that alchemy sets the "parameters of magic" in the series; after reading the chapter-length explanation of DEATHLY HALLOWS as the final stage of the alchemical Great Work in THE DEATHLY HALLOWS LECTURES, the serious reader will understand how important literary alchemy is in understanding Rowling's artistry and accomplishment. The other seven chapters explore, among other things, the five writing tricks Ms. Rowling uses to work her story magic, the deciphering of the "Triangular Eye" symbol for the three Hallows, Harry's "struggle to believe" in Albus Dumbledore, why Ms. Rowling revealed that she "always thought" of the Headmaster as gay, and the more than 25 echoes of her first book, PHILOSOPHER'S STONE, in DEATHLY HALLOWS. Did you wonder why Fred died in the end? Why Harry went underground seven times in Deathly Hallows? Granger explains how Ms. Rowling's story formula required these twists - - - as well as two trips to King's Cross and two meetings with Albus Dumbledore at story's end. John Granger, the Hogwarts Professor, has spoken about the meaning and magic of Harry Potter at major universities from coast to coast and as a Keynote Speaker at fan conventions in the United States and Canada. Enjoy these lectures to learn the ins and outs and fascinating depths of DEATHLY HALLOWS - - - information unavailable anywhere else!
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How Harry Cast His Spell
by John Granger
Provides a Christian interpretation of Harry Potter, arguing that the series supports biblical teaching as opposed to the practice of the occult, and offers insights into character names, imagery, and themes.
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Critical Perspectives on Harry Potter
by Elizabeth E. Heilman
Rev. ed. of: Harry Potter's world. 2003.
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Values of Harry Potter
by Ari Armstrong
"The adventure stories of the boy wizard Harry Potter tap life's most pressing questions about love and values, evil, free will, and the soul. Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter explores the complex themes of J. K. Rowling's beloved novels, illuminating the heroic fight for life-promoting values, the hero's need for independence, and the role of choice in virtue. Drawing on the ideas of Aristotle and Ayn Rand, Armstrong then critiques the Christian elements of self-sacrifice and immortality, arguing that they ultimately clash with the essential nature of the hero as exemplified by Harry Potter and his allies. Values of Harry Potter offers a unique, succinct, and provocative look at Rowling's revolutionary novels for both enthusiasts and critics.
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Bring Forth the Best Robes
by Logospilgrim
(Paperback ISBN edition) From the back cover of Bring forth the best robes: a spiritual understanding of Severus Snape: 'Repentance is not a once and for all gesture. It is a state of the soul, a constant rededication, a determination to rise after each fall. It enables us to see love, whether it is as statuesque as a tree or as frail as a seedling. Through repentance, the awareness of our own weaknesses allows us to view the weaknesses of others with immense compassion and to appreciate the value of their offerings. In St. Makarios of Egypt's words, "does the man who plants a vineyard immediately gather grapes? Or does he who sows seeds in the earth at once reap the harvest?" Using Professor Snape as a template, I wish to extol the best of everyone.'
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Harry, A History
by Melissa Anelli
The Harry Potter Books Were Just The Beginning of the Story... During the brief span of just one decade, hundreds of millions of perfectly ordinary people made history: they became the only ones who would remember what it was like when the Harry Potter saga was still unfinished. What it was like to seek out friends, families, online forums, fan fiction, and podcasts to get a fix between novels. When the potential death of a character was a hotter bet than the World Series. When the unfolding story of a boy wizard changed the way books are read for all time. And as webmistress of the Leaky Cauldron, one of the most popular Harry Potter sites on the Internet, Melissa Anelli had a front row seat to it all. Whether it was helping Scholastic stop leaks and track down counterfeiters, hosting live PotterCasts at bookstores across the country, touring with the wizard rock band Harry and the Potters, or traveling to Edinburgh to interview J. K. Rowling personally, Melissa was at the center of the Harry Potter tornado, and nothing about her life would ever be the same. The Harry Potter books are a triumph of the imagination that did far more than break sales records for all time. They restored the world's sense of wonder and took on a magical life of their own. Now the series has ended, but the story is not over. With remembrances from J. K. Rowling's editors, agents, publicists, fans, and Rowling herself, Melissa Anelli takes us on a personal journey through every aspect of the Harry Potter phenomenon -- from his very first spell to his lasting impact on the way we live and dream.
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Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons?
by Nancy Solon Villaluz
Villaluz spent five years researching and accurately honing insights to provide an in-depth (unauthorized) analysis of all seven of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, her companion books, and her influences.
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Political Issues in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series
by Dedria Bryfonski
Explores the political issues found in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
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Harry Potter & Imagination
by Travis Prinzi
"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." Those words, written by Plutarch and quoted by J.K. Rowling in her 2008 Harvard commencement speech, sum up both the Harry Potter series and Travis Prinzi's analysis of the best-selling books in Harry Potter & Imagination: The Way Between Two Worlds. Great imaginative literature places the readers between two worlds - the story world and the world of daily life - and challenges readers to imagine and to act for a better world. Starting with Harry Potter's great themes, Harry Potter & Imagination takes readers on a journey through the transformative power of those themes for both the individual and for culture by placing Rowling's series in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts. Prinzi explores how fairy stories in general, and Harry Potter in specific, are not merely tales that are read to "escape from the real world," but stories with the power to transform by teaching us to imagine better. . - .[Endorsement]: . - . "Harry Potter & Imagination offers a challenging and rewarding tour of the inspirations for and meanings behind J.K. Rowling's lauded series. Travis Prinzi ably explores how the Harry Potter books satisfy fundamental human yearnings, utilize mythological archetypes, and embody their author's social vision. From Arthurian romance and Lovecraftian horror to postmodernism and political theory, Prinzi provides new insights into the Harry Potter phenomenon. Harry Potter & Imagination will not only fascinate and entertain readers, but will also convince them that fairy tales matter." [Dr. Amy H. Sturgis, editor of Past Watchful Dragons] - . - [Endorsement]: . - . "There is no more insightful commenter on the Harry Potter novels than Travis Prinzi - and Harry Potter & Imagination is an ideal showcase for his original thinking and lucid writing. This trail-blazing guidebook into the world of Harry Potter - showing the imaginative way between two worlds - is a must read." [John Granger, author of The Deathly Hallows Lectures and other books]
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Repotting Harry Potter: A Professor's Book-By-Book Guide for the Serious Re-Reader
by James W. Thomas
A professor of literature for over thirty years, Dr. James W. Thomas takes us on a tour through the Potter books in order to enjoy them in different ways upon subsequent readings. Re-readers will be pleasantly surprised at what they may have missed in the books and at what secrets Rowling has hidden for us to uncover as we revisit these stories. The professor's informal and often lighthearted discussions focus on puns, humor, foreshadowing, literary allusions, narrative techniques, and other aspects of the Potter books that are hard-to-see on the hurried first or fifth reading. Dr. Thomas's brilliant but light touch proves that a "serious" reading of literature can be fun. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. [recommedation]-.- "What do you read after HARRY POTTER? Finally, there's a satisfying answer - you read REPOTTING HARRY POTTER for a whole new depth of appreciation and enjoyment. This book allows anyone intimidated by literature classes to sneak a seat in a class with one of those professors every student loves. You'll come away with a new depth of knowledge of Rowling's epic but also with a list of related literature you will want to read; great insights for aspiring writers too." Connie Neal, author of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO HARRY POTTER
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Reading Harry Potter Again
by Giselle Liza Anatol
Interpreting the underlying messages and themes of the "Harry Potter" series is vital for understanding the ways that we perceive and interact with each other in contemporary society. This volume of essays covers the entire seven-book sequence. It considers a number of themes from a variety of perspectives.
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Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died
by Emerson Spartz
Views from the #1 Harry Potter fan site about the many controversial issues left unresolved in the series.
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Azkatraz 2009
by Erin A. Pyne
The ultimate companion book for Azkatraz 2009 showcases 25 color illustrations including three illustrations by Mary Grandpre.
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Harry Potter's Bookshelf
by John Granger
Describes how the Harry Potter books fit into the English literary tradition, discussing how aspects of the books are similar to such works as "Pride and Prejudice," "Tom Brown's Schooldays," and "Everyman."
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The Lord of the Hallows
by Denise Roper
THE LORD OF THE HALLOWS examines the Christian themes present in J. K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER, and compares Rowling's series with THE LORD OF THE RINGS by J. R. R. Tolkien and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C. S. Lewis. This book also gives a fascinating explanation of the sources of Harry Potter's subtle religious symbolism, which includes a study of iconography derived from the Bible, the writings of the Early Church Fathers, Ancient and Medieval bestiaries, Christian artwork, and the Arthurian quest for the Hallows of the Holy Grail.
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Hog's Head Conversations
by John Granger
"Aberforth! Two more fire whiskeys for these friends! Welcome, HARRY POTTER readers, to the Hog s Head, the gathering place for members of Dumbledore s Army and the historic rallying point before the Battle of Hogwarts. We scholars of the Hogwarts Saga (Harry Potter s triumph over the Dark Lord) have come together here to share our researches on the meaning of Harry s seven adventures. Listen attentively to discover hidden secrets of the series and learn why the books are worthy to be studied more closely! Sip that fire whiskey slowly. Sit back and enjoy the ten best Hog s Head conversations of the past year, edited into this handy collection. And don t forget to throw your peanut shells to the goat in the corner. [includes essays by John Granger, Colin Manlove, Amy H. Sturgis, James W. Thomas and many others].
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The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Harry Potter
by John Killinger
Examining all of the Harry Potter novels, John Killinger points out the consistent way in which author J. K. Rowling follows the story of Christ in the Gospels with Harry as a Christ-figure.
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The Flawed Master
by Logospilgrim
Professor Severus Snape, a role model? Could the bitter, sarcastic and harsh man be a good teacher? Could he be worthy of imitation? In her mystical essays, Logospilgrim proposes that he is. Although Professor Snape frequently chose to behave in a manner that was harmful to him and those around him, the author believes that his virtue outweighed his weaknesses, and that both his virtue and weaknesses are a source of wisdom and consolation to those who are progressing along the path of devotion. He is, indeed, a symbol of true faith.
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The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Harry Potter Fandom
by Erin A. Pyne
The ultimate unauthorized guide to the global phenomenon that is Harry Potter fandom. The Harry Potter Fandom is vast. From books, movies, websites, fan fiction, artwork, and even music, Harry Potter has captured the imagination of millions. This book is an exhaustive guide to the Harry Potter fandom including interviews from fans such as Melissa Anelli, Emerson Spartz, Warwick Davis, Harry and the Potters, and many more. You will hear from fans, authors, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and actors as they share memories and experience in the Harry Potter fandom. This book is internet interactive with web addresses for everything mentioned! You can add your own stories, opinions, and ideas into the book and take the fandom quiz at the end! For news, updates and more, visit: www.TheUltimateGuidetotheHarryPotterFandom.com
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The Law and Harry Potter
by Jeffrey E. Thomas
This volume considers the depiction of law and legal institutions in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. It contains more than twenty chapters by legal academics from the U.S. and abroad. The chapters are organized in five sections: Legal Traditions and Institutions, Crimes and Punishments, Harry Potter and Identity, the Wizard Economy, and Harry Potter as an Archetype. Some chapters analyze the way law and legal institutions are portrayed, and what these portrayals teach us about concepts such as morality, justice, and difference. Other chapters use examples from the narratives to illustrate or analyze legal issues, such as human rights, actual innocence, and legal pedagogy. The volume is suitable for undergraduate or law school courses, and will be of interest to those Harry Potter fans who also have an interest in law and the legal profession.
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Destiny Unfulfilled
by Jim Adam
"Destiny Unfulfilled" is fundamentally critical of the Potter series, examining such issues as the role of a protagonist, the writer's contract with her readers, characterization, and shaggy dog resolutions.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy
by William Irwin
A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book Harry Potter series Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back to Godric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog. With publication timed to coincide with the release of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), this book will be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate the series on a deeper level. Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption of Severus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizarding world Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter characters, plot lines, and themes Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books and movies Packed with interesting ideas and insights, The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.
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The Potter Pensieve
by Karen Farrington
In this little book fans will find a surprisingly large variety of random thoughts, about Harry's magic universe, about the woman who created him, the books, the movies, and the actors in the films.
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One Fine Potion
by Greg Garrett
Unlocking the textual intricacies behind the Harry Potter narrative, Garrett reveals Rowling's magical formula--one that, he contends, earns her a place right next to the literary giants of old.
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The Sorcerer's Companion
by Allan Zola Kronzek
The New York Times bestseller, now fully updated to include the complete seven-volume series. Who was the real Nicholas Flamel? How did the Sorcerer’s Stone get its power? Did J. K. Rowling dream up the terrifying basilisk, the seductive veela, or the vicious grindylow? And if she didn’t, who did? Millions of readers around the world have been enchanted by the magical world of wizardry, spells, and mythical beasts inhabited by Harry Potter and his friends. But what most readers don’t know is that there is a centuries-old trove of true history, folklore, and mythology behind Harry’s fantastic universe. Now, with The Sorcerer’s Companion, those without access to the Hogwarts Library can school themselves in the fascinating reality behind J. K. Rowling’s world of magic. Newly updated to include Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Sorcerer’s Companion allows curious readers to look up anything magical from the Harry Potter books and discover a wealth of entertaining, unexpected information. Wands and wizards, boggarts and broomsticks, hippogriffs and herbology, all have astonishing histories rooted in legend, literature, or real-life events dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Magic wands, like those sold in Rowling’s Diagon Alley, were once fashioned by Druid sorcerers out of their sacred yew trees. Love potions were first concocted in ancient Greece and Egypt. And books of spells and curses were highly popular during the Middle Ages. From Amulets to Zombies, you’ll also learn: • how to read tea leaves • where to find a basilisk today • how King Frederick II of Denmark financed a war with a unicorn horn • who the real Merlin was • how to safely harvest mandrake root • who wore the first invisibility cloak • how to get rid of a goblin • why owls were feared in the ancient world • what really lies beyond the Veil • the origins of our modern-day “bogeyman,” and more. A spellbinding tour of Harry’s captivating world, The Sorcerer’s Companion is a must for every Potter aficionado’s bookshelf. The Sorcerer's Companion has not been prepared, approved, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties.
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Harry Potter Film Wizardry
by Brian Sibley
Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series, and learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collation with the cast and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing film-making secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collectible volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.
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The Politics of Harry Potter
by B. Barratt
This political analysis of Harry Potter uses the beloved wizarding world to introduce readers to the equally murky and intimidating world of politics. Rowling's work provides us with entries into all of the most important political questions in history, from terrorism and human rights to the classic foundations of political thought.