Synopses & Reviews
The ultimate fan's guide to the underlying mythology contained in the multi-million-selling novels and record-breaking film.
Have witches always flown on broomsticks?
Where does magic come from?
Why do wizards use wands?
J.K. Rowlings 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 Harrys adventures.
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.
Review
"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
Review
"A feast for future game-show contestants...You could use it as reference to set up a round of Jeopardy!" The Orlando Sentinel
Review
"Digs deep into different cultures and mythologies to piece together the origins of Rowlings characters. Learn about griffins, goblins, Latin, and why Harry is a universal hero." The Baltimore Sun
Review
"A guide to the history, literature and mythology Rowling sprinkles throughout her four Harry Potter books. Grown-ups might like [it] too, because it painlessly exposes youngsters to Shakespeare, Chaucer, Ovid, Flaubert and more." St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Review
"This irresistibly dippable book gently draws children into the joys of works of reference." The Times (London)
Review
"[An] enthusiasts treasury of facts." The Times Educational Supplement
Review
"Harry Potter, the young hero of J.K. Rowlings successful book series, lives in a world enriched by references to myths, legends, literature and history. By probing this subtext and revealing, for example, the hidden meanings in some characters names David Colbert gives a fresh insight into Rowlings books." New Straits Times (Malaysia)
Synopsis
The ultimate fan's guide to the underlying mythology contained in the multi-million-selling novels and record-breaking film.
"Potter fanatics...can revel in details and hidden mysteries of the series." (Columbus Dispatch)
About the Author
David Colbert has spent many years in the publishing business, as a book editor and as publisher of HarperCollins West. He lives in New York City.