Presents a study of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter tales, providing a look at the mythical creatures, legendary characters, magical places, and autobiographical details that inform the best-selling series.

The indispensable source guide to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels—the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans! What was the model for The Order of the Phoenix? Where do those names come from? What is the real-life legend behind Voldemort’s Dark Mark? Could Snape’s potions actually work? J.K. Rowling’s young heroic wizard, Harry Potter, lives in a world populated by dragons, centaurs, trolls, giants—and a three-headed dog named Fluffy—among other creatures from ancient myths and legends. Discover the astonishing origins of supernatural beasts, clues to hidden meanings in names, and amazing facts about real-life wizards and magic spells. From Alchemists to Unicorns, Basilisks to Veela, this fascinating compendium brings another dimension to Harry’s adventures—from The Sorcerer’s Stone to The Deathly Hallows. This book was not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any other individual or entity associated with the HARRY POTTER books or movie.

Examines the origins and hidden meanings of the characters and plots within C.S. Lewis's Narnia series.

J.K. Rowling has drawn deeply from classical sources to inform and color her Harry Potter novels, with allusions ranging from the obvious to the obscure. "Fluffy," the vicious three-headed dog in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is clearly a repackaging of Cerberus, the hellhound of Greek and Roman mythology. But the significance of Rowling's quotation from Aeschylus at the front of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a matter of speculation. Her use of classical material is often presented with irony and humor. This extensive analysis of the Harry Potter series examines Rowling's wide range of allusion to classical characters and themes and her varied use of classical languages. Chapters discuss Harry and Narcissus, Dumbledore's many classical predecessors, Lord Voldemort's likeness to mythical figures, and magic in Harry Potter and classical antiquity--among many topics.

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.

A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare—can Hero uncover the connections?