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, TXCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
The reasons why goblins make perfect bankers and witches have always flown on broomsticks isn't obvious from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, but lucky for us, many baffling questions are answered in David Colbert's helpful guide to the myths, legends, and fascinating facts behind our favorite wizard's worlds.

With subjects in alphabetical order, this solid resource provides quick-reference explanations to all the creatures, spells, character names, and events. Each chapter starts off with a lead-in question, followed by two or more pages of description and additional interesting facts in the margins. Magical topics themselves range from divination to Manticores to wands, and the most basic information usually includes name origin, appropriate historical facts, and myths surrounding the subject. It's a lot to absorb, but thankfully the book also contains page-topic tabs, cross-references in the margins, and a thorough index for easy navigation.

Any Potter fan anxious to delve beyond the pages of Rowling's novels will discover that besides being a master writer, she also knows her history and mythology. Colbert expertly shows us what's factored into her work, and it's a treat. Harry Potter lovers will see this as a must-have for their collections, while teachers, librarians, and parents can easily use it to start discussions on past people or events. An impressive tool that's not to be missed. Matt Warner

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Have witches always flown on broomsticks?
Where does magic come from?
Why do wizards use wands?


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.

About the Author:

Formerly a head writer of television's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and an editorial director of HarperCollins, David Colbert has authored several acclaimed collections of history and literature including the popular "Eyewitness" series.

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.

SYNOPSIS

J. K. Rowling fills her books with references to history, myths, legends and literature. Here are the stories behind the stories – the astonishing origins of magical creatures, the clues to hidden meanings in names, and stories of real-life wizards mentioned in the Harry Potter series.

FROM THE CRITICS

Time Magazine

When noting that Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch gets his name from the Argus of Greek mythology, a watchman with a thousand eyes on his body, it￯﾿ﾽs the sort of touch that can prompt an author￯﾿ﾽs inward smile.

Baltimore Sun

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.

School Library Journal