Reviews (10)

Great Companion Piece
Muggles and Magic is a great companion piece for anyone who is a big fan of both the Harry Potter books and the movies. After reading it, I was able to impress my companions at a viewing of the third movie with fun facts they did not know.

I especially enjoyed the Notable and Quotable sections. The Real World of J. K. Rowling contains quotes from Rowling on a variety of subjects, Film Quips contains descriptions of some of the characters and quotes from the actors who play them, and On Writing and Publishing contains mostly quotes from Rowling about writing.

The Fictional Concordance would be especially useful to someone who has seen the movies but not read the books; the Harry Potter Merchandise section takes a hopeless stab at listing the many Harry Potter tie-in items. You can test your own knowledge of the world of Harry Potter by taking the book's Final Exam.

A highlight for me was having well-known Tolkien artist Tim Kirk's charming sketches livening up the pages.

A Splendid Companion
First off, this book is exactly what it claims to be: a general resource guide and reference book focusing on JK Rowling and the phenomenon surrounding the Harry Potter books. It is not a book that focuses on spoilers, speculation, or inside knowledge of future Harry Potter novels or movies. Anyone looking for that sort of information will not find it here; however, someone interested in in-depth background information on Rowling, the writing of the first several Harry Potter books, and the reactions to her books and the movies should definitely pick up this companion.

Beahm divides his book into comprehensive sections and includes information from various sources: interviews, online chats, broadcasts, articles, and anything else he could get his hands on. Some of the information is repeated in more than one section, but Beahm warns the reader of this beforehand and is completely honest and correct as to why he's done this: in some cases, he needs to repeat information, particularly as this companion isn't necessarily meant to be read through from front to back. Being rather a Potterphile, I've read a lot of extra information on Rowling and the various peripheral events and reactions to her and her works, and Beahm has managed to collect more of the interesting and important information in one place. He's even managed to provide me with several intriguing bits of new information about Rowling and the books.

Beahm also gives the curious American reader a fairly comprehensive comparison of the US and UK versions of the books, going into a short discussion about the illustrations and illustrators as well as the performers for the audio CDs. He even provides us with pictures of the children's, adult (UK), and movie-inspired versions of the covers for each book. In fact, Beahm provides his readers with numerous pictures of Rowling, stills from the movies, screenshots of various interesting Potter-related websites, and all kinds of merchandise. He's even tucked in a few color photos of movie locations and adorable little owls.

The surprising depth and breadth of Potter-and-Rowling-related phenomena is one of the things that makes this book an excellent companion (Beahm obviously can't possibly cover everything in minute detail; he does, however, do a wonderful job of giving better-than-general coverage in the nearly 400 pages of my copy). I wasn't expecting as much new information as I got, nor did I expect to read about so many different facets of the Rowling/Potter phenomenon. Hooray for being pleasantly surprised! Another thing that makes this book an excellent companion is its readability: Beahm's writing is intelligent and descriptive, and while he is obviously a fan of Rowling and Potter, he is also unafraid of bringing up a few interesting criticisms of the works or their tie-ins. The sections in this companion are clearly defined, and the Table of Contents is comprehensive and detailed, making things much easier on the reader who doesn't want to spend all afternoon thumbing through this companion in an effort to find out one small bit of information. Beahm even includes a great trivia section and reviews of merchandise and Potter-related fansites.

My only gripes with this companion are the sidebars (I found several of them distracting; they interfered with my reading by interrupting the visual flow of several pages) and the fact that Beahm appears to have gotten one or two small bits in his glossary and important terms section slightly wrong. However, I doubt that anybody but a rabid Potterphile would notice these minor issues, so if you're into Potter and want more information about everything surrounding JK Rowling and Harry Potter, I would definitely recommend this book. It's worth its price just for having several of Rowling's more interesting quotes and the trivia quiz all in one place -- not to mention everything else you get!

Indispensible Potter Companion!
Every time I open this book, I find another nugget of information. Easy to read and well-organized, Muggles and Magic tells the reader everything he or she ever wanted to know about J. K. Rowling and the world of Harry Potter, and then some. I only hope that George Beahm will consider putting together a follow-up volume after Books 6 and 7 are published!

A Ten Year Old's Perspective
I enjoyed reading this book. It had lots of useful information about J.K. Rowling in the large biography, and I finally found out what the J.K. stood for. But my favorite part by far was the Muggle's guide to Harry Potter. It had a lot of stuff I didn't remember, and new stuff I didn't know about. The Guide was interesting and full of information that I was looking for, such as how many knuts equal a sickle, and how much it costs to ride the Knight Bus. So basically it was a very original book.

A delightful, informative book
"Muggles and Magic" is the most comprehensive book I have found to date about the Harry Potter phenomenon. Written in a clear, honest, and delightful manner, it is sure to inform and charm its readers. There are many aspects of the book I enjoyed and I found a few things to be particularly helpful. Seeing that is was written to be a sourcebook, I found it satisfying that the book delivers exactly what it promises. There is a nice succinct, yet thorough chronology of J.K.R.'s life in the beginning of the book. There is a glossary of terms that can prove very handy to the H.P. newcomer. The section on merchandise will be invaluable to those obsessed with collectibles. Particularly eye-opening to me was the list of other H.P./J.K.R. books cited in one of the chapters. Other than rabid fans, I don't believe most people are aware of the wealth of literary ambition Harry Potter has inspired, not only in the form of professionally published books, but of devoted fan fiction which appears on many H.P. related websites. Some of these websites have not only been listed but also described in the book, along with screen shots from the actual sites.

The most popular chapters of M&M will, no doubt, be the ones which discuss the books and movies. Each one is covered individually and the chapters contain a good amount of information. Another popular chapter will be the one devoted to J.K.Rowling herself. Much interesting and sometimes fascinating information about the author is contained in this chapter, all of it stated without delving into gossip or hearsay. One of my favorite sections in the book is the one titled "So You Want to Be a Novelist?". Beahm is forthright and helpful in his offerings, choosing to share with the reader the wisdom gained from his own experience. I think parents of children who are budding writers will particularly appreciate his practical advice.

Unlike another reviewer, I relished the sidebars. I think they were informative, often amusing, and of benefit to the book. I found them to be few in number, and they did not hamper the flow of the book for me but were a fun way to include additional info that is pertinent, yet may not have fit perfectly into the current discussion. Tidbits such as how to make your way around England, Harry Potter polls, how to obtain H.P. merchandise, and J.K.R.'s charity interests are touched upon. Sidebars are always some of my favorite parts of non-fiction books and Beahm's inclusion of them has, in my opinion, been an asset.

I must add that the forward by Colleen Doran is something you shouldn't skip by. It is written with intelligence, sincerity and humor and, unlike many forwards of books, is a delightful read. I will also add my kudos to Tim Kirk for the wonderful sketches. I often found myself returning to pages simply to catch another glimpse of his work.

I enjoyed many other areas of M&M (including the fun trivia section) but my favorite parts of the book are the "Notable and Quotable" sections that appear in four of the six chapters. I enjoy reading words that come straight from the mouths of those directly involved in the books and films, especially J.K.R. herself. In my opinion, there is nothing that gives us a better perception of what this talented, generous woman is about than her own thoughts, in her own words.

I would recommend Muggles and Magic to all Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling fans, whether avid or tepid. You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

In a book that is sure to delight Harry Potter fans and spiritual seekers alike, author and Potter enthusiast Connie Neal dives into the Harry Potter series looking for the Christian Gospel. Does she find it? Yes! In this, her exploration of J.K. Rowling’s created world of magic and mystery, Neal enumerates more than fifty "Potteran" themes that can be seen as glimmers of the Gospel.

With an arsenal of charming allusions and parallels, Neal persuasively demonstrates that Harry Potter need not be rejected as a threat to the Christian faith, as some have claimed.Rather, she finds, the lessons in Harry Potter not only echo many of the stories in the Bible but also reinforce the central messages of Christianity. Written accessibly in short three- to four-page chapters, Neal’s The Gospel According to Harry Potter is both a much-needed stroke of interpretive genius and a fascinating reflection on our time’s most popular literary series.This is a must-read for everyone intrigued by the Harry Potter phenomenon! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Interesting read, not strong for group study
Our Sunday School class tried to use this book as a basis for a weekly class. While the book itself is engaging and interesting, you really have to be a die-hard Harry Potter fan to come back to it week after week. The book does not work well for group study -- it is mainly a series of snippets from the novel combined with a Biblical application of that snippet. Each is short -- 2 to 3 pages -- and we found that the application information was highly repetitive. That said, I enjoyed reading the book myself, and would recommend it especially for anyone who's trying to relate the cultural context of Harry Potter to their religious convictions. The author does an outstanding job of pointing out the good in the books.

The Gosple and Harry Potter
This book is wonderful! It is really helpful.
I started reading the Harry Potter books after the second movie came out and I loved them! The only problem was that all my friends hated them and said they were evil, satanistic, etc. When ever I tried to bring the subject up they would change it immediatly. As a last straw I bought this book and read it. It was truely amazing. It makes so many connections between my two fave books. So one day at school I gave this to my best friend and told her to read it. Well, she didn't at first but I finally persuaded her to. After she did, she told me that she may have been wrong about HP and was sorry for judging it before even reading them. About a week later during lunch she came up to me and told me that she had actually watched the movie! While she's not as big of a fanatic as me, she still enjoys them.

This book is a great way to show your friends that Harry Potter is not at all what the christian critics make it out to be. I highly recommend this book!

Neal Brings Good News to Potter Fans in Intriguing "Gospel"
Evangelical and other devout Christians distrust popular culture and at times see it with outright hostility. This has been true in theater, on radio (Christian rock pioneer Larry Norman's wailing "Why should the devil have all the good music?") at toy stores and bookstands. J.K. Rowling's wildly successful Harry Potter book series is notable here, its themes of supernatural powers, combined with huge sales to pre-teens, inspiring criticism and even misguided protests such as library lawsuits and book burnings.

Recently, however, many conservative Christians have come to respect the Potter books for sophisticated portrayals of good and evil. Connie Neal addresses her Potter interpretation "The Gospel According to Harry Potter" to these Christians plus the few left who remain hostile toward a book series many of them never read.

Ms. Neal traverses through the first four Potter books, summing overlaying themes of each. She selects episodes (standing on the 9 ¾ platform, the shrinking door keys mystery, Ginny Weasley's rescue), character profiles (false faces of Professor Quirrell and Mad-Eye Moody, consistent citing of Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore as a God-like figure) and character quotes. She then relates this at length to a Biblical story or theme, constantly focusing on the panoramic, constant battle between good and evil and subtleties within it. (Neal states on its front cover no one involved with the Potter series proper has authorized this book. Perhaps this is reason Neal provides a teaspoon of Potter followed by two cups of Bible.)

Ms. Neal, perhaps for Christian unity or not wanting to put Christian words into Harry's lightning-scarred head, fails somewhat to directly contradict anti-Potter views or any of the series' darker themes. (In personal asides, she recalls criticism received in radio and TV interviews and dealing with fallout from a satirical story on the Onion Web site relating Potter to Satanism.)

A librarian at a Micigan Christian school and webmaster of one of the larger Harry Potter sites recently said of Rowling,"She is writing extremely moral books that show that evil is real and you have to take a stand against it, even at great cost to yourself." Connie Neal effectively relates that bedrock Biblical truth to Harry's spiritual quest. She also compares friends, enemies, mentors, and wolves dressed as sheep Harry encounters to Jesus' own ministry, while retaining Jesus' divinity and Harry's mortality.

To that end, the "Gospel According to Harry Potter" is useful to homilists and Sunday school teachers wanting to relate today's most popular action-adventure story with the first and truest. This book allows non-Potter readers to effectively discuss the series with those who've read them. It is recommended to Scripture readers intrigued by "the boy who lived", essential for Potter readers intrigued by the One who lives.

A great peice of literary interptation
I love this book! The way Neal ties the Harry Potter books to the Bible is really cool. The book itself is well-writen, and overall it's a great example of literary interptation. I enthusiastically recommend this book to any Harry Potter fan.

A great book for Christians and Harry Potter fans
The second I saw this book I knew I must have it. Being a Christian and a Harry Potter fan, it is difficult to hear all of the negative comments made about the books. Connie Neal makes it easy to defend my attraction to Harry Potter. ... Read more

Book Description

Harry está en su segundo año en la escuela de magia y hechicería.En este episodio Harry tiene que defender la escuela de los malvados que pretenden destruirla.Se tiene que enfrentar con arañas gigantes, serpientes encantadas y fantasmas enfurecidos. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fascinante la serie de Libros de Harry Potter
Ahora Harry Potter se encuentra en segundo año de la escuela de Magos. Este es un libro que una vez lo comienzes a leer no podras parar como si realmente tuviera un hechizo. Ya he comenzado a leer el Prisionero de Azkaban que es el tercero de la serie y espero ansiosa que el cuarto libro salga en español. Definitivamente la narrativa es increible,la forma en que JK Rowling describe a los personajes es impresionante. Te los puedes inmaginar tal y como son y a la misma vez te transportas a la camara secreta con Harry. Es una serie de libros completamente fascinante, tanto para adultos como para niños.

Muy Bien
Esta novela me esta gustando aun mejor que la primera. !Que divertida es!

The translators and publisher are Spanish. There is much vocabulary from Spain, just as the English version has much British vocabulary. I really enjoy learning about regional vocabulary differences, whether in English or Spanish, so this was a big plus.

A friend claims the American editions have been Americanized, although I don't know if it's true. (The American editions still have many British words, but do use some American words, like "sweater" instead of "jumper".) It's funny how the Brits understand us from seeing our movies/television, but we don't understand their vocab or accent as well. It's great to be exposed to different forms of languages we already know.

The translation seems very good, but some things seem wrong, such as "?QUE TE TENGO DICHO?" on the second page of text. I think this should be "?QUE TE HE DICHO?" Maybe this is a form with which I'm not familiar, because I can't imagine a native speaker and translator would make such a gringo ("guiri" en Espana) mistake.

Wrong review (above)
I just LOVE this book, and all the harry potter books. I wanted to say to Eric J Justice, who wrote a review above, that your review was incorrect. It DIDNT have a mistake; saying QUE TE TENGO DICHO es right. In fact, im pretty sure what you said was right too. But anyway, anyone who hasn't read this should, but read the SORCERER'S STONE first, because it's really best to read them in order.

Decente
Aconsejo no prestar demasiada atención a las críticas que se quejan del vocabulario castizo en contraposición al vocabulario americano. No hay prácticamente nada que un lector castellanohablante educado no pueda entender, y el castellano utilizado en el libro es adecuado a la trama. La traducción en sí, exceptuando algún resbalón con el subjuntivo, es gramaticalmente correcta. No conozco el original en inglés.
El argumento abunda en lo descriptivo con un ritmo de la acción lento durante casi toda la obra, concentrando el la mayor parte del desenlace en los últimos 3 o 4 capítulos. La sensación de desasosiego que algunas críticas mencionan en este sentido es legítima.
En general, la obra es medianamente entretenida y contribuye a adquirir vocabulario.

A Great Learning Tool
I'm a high school student taking Spanish as my foreign language. I decided one day to buy Harry Pooter y la Cámara Secreta to help with my Spanish. Though some of the words aren't what I'm use to I still understood it and it helped my Spanish greatly. Many of the higher level Spanish classes are reading this also. For students taking Spanish this is a great way to help with your Spanish. It puts your knowledge to use and it helps you to remember things better. They're just as great as the English version! ... Read more

Book Description

Since the 1997 release of J.K. Rowling's first novel--HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE--no series of children's books has been more incredibly popular or widely influential.How do we explain the enormous appeal of these stories to children?Should parents welcome this new interest in reading among their kids or worry, along with the critics, that the books encourage either moral complacency or a perverse interest in witchcraft and the occult?

In this original interpretation of the Harry Potter sensation, 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.He argues that Rowling's great accomplishment in these books is to have combined imaginative fun with moral seriousness.

Kern's comprehensive evaluation of the Harry Potter stories in terms of ethical questions reveals the importance of uncertainty and ambiguity in Rowling's imaginative world and highlightrs her call to meet them with virtues such as constancy, endurance, perseverance, self-discipline, reason, solidarity, empathy, and sacrifice.Chidren comprehend that growing up entails some perplexity and pain, that they cannot entirely avoid problems, and that they can remain constant in circumstances beyond their control.In essence, Harry shows them how to work through their problems, rather than seek ways around them.Despite the fantastical settings and events of Harry's adventures, children are quick to realize that they are just a fictional reflection of the confusing and disturbing circumstances found in the real world.

Kern also shows adults how much they can gain by discussing with children the moral conundrums faced by Harry and other characters.The author outlines the central morals of each book; considers the common critiques of the books; discusses Rowling's skillful blend of history, legend, and myth; and raises important questions for guiding children through Harry's adventures.

This fresh, instructive, and upbeat guide to Harry Potter gives parents a wealth of useful and educational information for discussing the moral implications of this continuously popular series of books with their children. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A brilliant work
This is a wonderful work, well researched and fascinating...

An Excellent Resource
This book is the most carefully studied, in-depth look at Harry Potter that I've found. It not only discusses the books' morality, but relates it to Rowling's use of history, legend and myth. It is a must for Harry Potter fanatics, but if you haven't read them yet and still want to, save this one for last.
I would recommend it to anyone who prefers to read books with substance and without platitude. It's clear, concise style would make it a useful tool for any teacher whose students are reading the Harry Potter books. "The Wisdom of Harry Potter" has a wonderful way of showing how philosophy can be interwoven with literature.
Any parents who've had doubts about their children reading Harry Potter will find this an excellent resource. And I would go so far as to challenge any of those people who want to ban these books from their children's libraries to find fault with the logic of this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Sexy Photos!!!
I love this book because emma watson is so hot & sexy!!! call me

I LOVE THIS!!!!
I bought this because I am in love with Harry Potter and the guy that plays him in the movies (Daniel Radcliffe) is really hot in this movie! The pictures are great! i hope u love it like i do! especially if u love daniel radcliffe!

Loves it
My children love this poster book. Good pictures from the movie have been chosen and there are plenty of Ron if you love him best like my daughter. ... Read more

Book Description

Millions of children, even Christian children, are reading the mega-selling Harry Potter book series and are exposed to the Harry Potter movies. John Granger, a devout Christian, teacher of classic literature, and father of seven children, first read the Harry Potter books so he could explain to his children why they weren't allowed to read them. After intense study, however, he became convinced that the books are underestimated as literature--and reflect important Christian truths. In Looking for God in Harry Potter, Granger gives parents and teachers a roadmap for using the Harry Potter books to teach Christian truth to children. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Looking for God
I bought John Granger's book immediately after reading the introduction! As an 8th Grade English teacher, I believe this book is a must read for teachers and parents alike whose children or students are Harry Potter fans. In addition to unpacking the Christian themes and influences (which as a Christian myself, I whole heartedly support), this book is also useful for the individual with no religious persuasion whatsoever, as it unpacks discussion topics on themes and every day issues with which everyone deals on a daily basis. I couldn't put it down (or at least did so reluctantly...). Granger also details the ways to discuss the different themes resident in each book with your child/student as well as gives guidelines for general discussions with your child about Harry Potter (or, a myraid of other topics, I would argue). I highly recommend reading it!

Very interesting...
In the old days, Christians might hide their pack of playing cards or a cigarrette from the pastor. Now, both young and old stash Harry Potter videos and books. However, after reading this book, you might want to proudly display them instead.

**** John Granger (no relation to Hermione), takes apart all five volumes of the demonized books to miniscule detail and finds vast amounts of Christian allegory inside them. Going beyond the obvious, he brings to light enough material to keep a Sunday School class going for six months, at least, in a style almost as entertaining as the books themselves. In fact, by the end of Finding God in Harry Potter, you will be convinced that we can learn as much at Hogwarts as in Narnia or Middle Earth. Maybe more. ****

Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.

Granger is a Genius!
John Granger gives us an authoritative, honest, thought-provoking book, and I recomend it to anyone who's heard of Harry Potter. It's easy to read, but provides a wealth of important informaiton for Potterholics, like myself, and the Harry Haters. Everyone ought to read this book; we have a great deal to learn from Granger, and, as he says, the Potter books themselves. So what are y'all waiting for??? Buy it, Read it, Love it.

Tickling sleeping dragons
Don't let the fact that this book is called 'Looking for God in Harry Potter' put you off.

Admittedly it is the best book I have seen for any Christians who are looking for an intelligent alternative to set against the less than totally convincing and intellectually sound argument that, as Stan Shunpike might have said, (had he been a fundamentalist) "Course 'Arry's evil, 'cos 'e's a wizard, inee?'

But this book is not just for Christians, its much too good for that. Its for anyone who has read the Harry Potter books, anyone whose children have read them, and for anyone who is intrigued by the phenomenal success of the books, whether they've read them or not.

Even if you decide that the analysis in terms of specifically Christian symbolism, themes, and answers to questions about the meaning of life, love and death are a stretch, this book still provides an intriguing analysis, and one worth considering. It is by no means a Christian tract or an attempt to bend fiction to the cause of evangelism. It takes the books on their own terms as part of the English literary tradition, a tradition that has frequently made use of Christian symbolism, imagery and themes, even while using the metaphor of magic as a means of making the transcendent tangible.

Of course if John Granger is right and the Harry Potter books are an attempt to smuggle a message past the watchful (C.S.Lewis) or sleeping (J.K.Rowling) dragons that guard us against such things, then maybe this book risks letting the kneazle out of the bag and putting the pixie among the pigeons, even before the complete series is written and published.

Looking for a sample chapter from the book?
I agree with the other reviewers, that Granger's book is probably the BEST commentary available on the Potter books. But reading is believing - so if you don't want to take someone else's word for it you can find two sample chapters on the internet. One chapter is on book #5 "Order of the Phoenix" and the other is on dopplegangers. These online chapters may vary slightly from the final edited version found in Granger's book.

(...)

Whether you think Granger's book is brilliant or merely excellent, there is one other thing worth saying. On a topic that has become divisive in the Christian community, Granger's writing is the soul of civility and good humor. There are no cheap shots toward those who are concerned about the potential attraction to the occult in today's society. This is a book written with charity and fair-mindedness - with nary a hint of condescending know-it-all-ism. In this regard I would compare Granger's style with the congenial orthodoxy of C.S. Lewis, who closely identified with his readers (especially in addressing those who find it difficult in today's society to attain faith). When you read this book you find not only good scholarship and reasoning - but an example of cordiality and good-will that is very rare in today's marketplace of ideas. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

Regarding the Non-Caps
Despite what the person from Huntington said, Latin sentences do not always end with a verb. Nevertheless, it is true that they didn't use capitalization. However, they did not use punctuation marks or spaces between words, either, in Classical Latin. Let's thank the translator for not being too true to the original or else it would be even more difficult to read.

In my opinion, capitalizing words would have been nice, making it easier to read. Also, I agree that a glossary should have defintely been added. Not everyone wants to drag a Latin dictionary around everytime they read it.

Despite these things, I have enjoyed the book so far and I think the translator did a pretty good job. The book gets four stars for that and an extra one just because someone had the guts to do it.

Delightful
Although I am not a Latin teacher and haven't really kept up with Latin since I took courses in college many years ago, I found this book delightful. The Latin is grammatically easier even than Caesar, and the vocabulary for the most part within the typical vocabulary of high school courses in Caesar and Cicero (but "Gestatio"?), with the usual invented modern words and some that seem to be from late or medieval Latin. For the most part, the meaning even of the unusual words seemed to be fairly apparent. The story is much better than I expected, and the Latin more manageable than Winnie Ille Pu or even Regulus. I might have preferred "Henricus Figulus" -- but there's no reason to be picky with such a delightful book. I'm actually looking forward to Harrius Potter et Camera Rerum Arcanarum.

Great!
After struggling with Cicero, I was exited to learn Harry Potter was being translated into Latin. It is wonderful reading something in Latin that I've already read (several times) in English. I actually feel much more confident in my Latin reading ability and might even try Cicero again soon. I truly hope they translate the rest of the Harry Potter series into Latin. I would buy them!

More please
Yes there should be more of these available. Does the market warrant it? A problem with reading translations of any sort as part of learning a language is finding something relevant to read. Since most things available are not contemporary or fun, having something a student has most likely already read in their native language available in the target language can do several wonderful things for the student. It can be pleasurable reading in the target language something the student already "knows" since that will save dictionary look-up time and there will be a pleasure of discovery in figuring out the previously unknown word for oneself.

My regards to the effort involved in this project. It also makes the use of certain magical spells in Latin or something much like it an interesting and thought provoking exercise.

Another translator's view
It needs a high degree of concentration, plenty of time and not a little courage to undertake a translation like this, which is a very different thing from the tasks typically given to students and, if it is to be criticised, it should be reviewed with that in mind.

I, like others, would have liked to see from Mr. Needham an introduction describing his approach; that's all that stops me awarding the fifth star. But, I'm also not too sure about the lack of capital letters: if it's an authentic feel that's needed, we should, perhaps, have nothing but capitals.

But I will defend most heartily Mr. Needham's syntax. This is not a Ciceronian essay. It is a translation accurately tempered to the style of the original. What would have been the point in its being otherwise? There is no classical model to follow, no classical author whose style might be imitated.

This really is a book to be enjoyed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For all ages
I would recommend Harry Potter a l'ecole des sorciers for everyone. I chose to read this book for French class as a summer reading. It isn't hard and I learned more French words as a result. It is very exciting. The cover was nicely done too.

My Jaw Dropped
My first reaction to J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter a l'ecole des sorciers was speechlessness. I had no idea that any book could be so wonderful. I'll admit that I found the first few chapters a bit dull. They were necessary, though, because they explained Harry's background and brought you up to the current state of affairs. The rest of the book made up for any lack of excitement in the preceding chapters. After I finished the book for the fourth time, I went out and bought the second installment in the series, then the third etc. I give this book five stars, and my personal recommendation to anyone looking for a good read. ... Read more

Book Description

Can Fluffy the three-headed dog be explained by advances in molecular biology? Could the discovery of cosmic "gravity-shielding effects" unlock the secret to the Nimbus 2000 broomstick's ability to fly? Is the griffin really none other than the dinosaur Protoceratops? Roger Highfield, author of the critically acclaimed The Physics of Christmas, explores the fascinating links between magic and science to reveal that much of what strikes us as supremely strange in the Potter books can actually be explained by the conjurings of the scientific mind. This is the perfect guide for parents who want to teach their children science through their favorite adventures as well as for the millions of adult fans of the series intrigued by its marvels and mysteries. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Review of The Science of Harry Potter
Woah- This book was obviously very well researched and thought out. Whats-his-name went to a lot of effort to write this book. Though, as an obsessive 15 year old harry potter fan, it didn't make me happy! It took all the magic out of the books. it explained how every bit of magic the book had could be really happening, but with out magic! He took the all the fun out of it! When i bought it i thought it would tell me how the magic worked, not how it wasn't real. i was highly offended.

A good book to think on
This book is for people who enjoy reading about what people have tried/done in the past and what people will be trying and doing in the future

This book is not really directed towards children more to someone who enjoys reading about science. From start to finish a lot of names, ideas, experiments, and questions are given. A great read for anyone who likes to wonder. This book provokes hundreds of what if questions and the reader is left to just wonder how the world would be with these things.

The thoughts and ideas in this book are LOOSELY based on the 'magic' in Harry Potter. The ideas in the Harry Potter books are expanded and talked about at great length with not only what if questions but how scientists in the past and present are (without first seeing it in Harry Potter) trying to achieve real life 'magic'

The science of Harry Potter?
I received this book as a gift and, upon reading it, now consider it a valuable addition to my collection. There are a few things, however, that I've noticed some other reviewers pointing out that I would like to go into. The author of the book considers himself a Harry Potter fan. In fact, the majority of scientists he consults are also supposedly fans of the series. The book, however, is less about Harry Potter and more about science. Essentially, it is a book describing and explaining the realistic possibilities of scientifically creating the "magic" used by the wizards in Harry's world. If anything, the book should be retitled, "The Science of Harry Potter: How Muggles Use Technology to Acheive What Magic Already (Potentially) Does."

It is, however, incredibly well researched and is obviously a labor of love and dedicated interest. I would suggest this book to any Harry Potter fan who also enjoys reading about science. It is not, on the other hand, what the average Potter fan would consider casual reading. This is a science book, discussing topics ranging from quantum physics to ethnobotony and could very well be considered boring by most people's standards.

Ignore the writing style and enjoy the information
This book does an amazing job introducing the "magical" world of science. I am amazed at the author`s research and discussion of emerging scientific fields--such as levitation and teleportation--in layman`s terms. Anyone with science or Harry Potter in his/her heart will love this book. Sit back and relax and enjoy the tid bits of information the author offers. However, if you expect the author to stay on topic, totally relate to the Harry Potter books, or draw any comprehensible conclusions...you will only frustrate yourself. Ignore the writing style and enjoy the wealth of information.

A set of lively scientific insights
The immensely popular Harry Potter fantasy books are used as source material in The Science Of Harry Potter as a foundation for discussions of scientific and historical issues ranging from connections between hallucinogens and flying sensations to the science of ethnobotany. Readers of Harry Potter will find here a set of lively scientific insights which go far from Harry's world and into the world of real science. ... Read more

Book Description

Through the magic of electronic publishing, all editions of this book (paperback and e-book) were updated December 27, 2004, incorporating all the breaking news stemming from J. K. Rowling's wonderful Christmas announcement. This is an unauthorized work of news reporting and analysis that summarizes everything that is currently known and speculated about "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," book six in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.

The author has combed through a vast amount of material (see "from the author", below) and produced a useful reference guide to HP&THBP. Every statement of fact is carefully attributed to a definitive source, and speculation is clearly labeled as such. If you don't like to read speculation, you can simply ignore it!

There are no "magic bullets" or deep secrets here because all Harry Potter fans and websites are working from the same set of public facts. It's just a question of organization, analysis, perspective, and presentation.

Books and e-books give the reader a different experience from surfing the web. Everything is tied up in one package. If it's a paperback, you can hold, throw it, flip through it, dogear it, and mark it. If it's an e-book, you can save it, search it, print it, and bring it everywhere with your PC or PDA. If you prefer Internet searching, by all means, do that!

As the editorial reviews suggest, many knowledgeable fans have enjoyed this book.

This book is loosely grouped into five major parts:

1. Information specifically about book six, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

2. Information that pertains both to book six and to book seven in the series.

3. Information specifically related to book seven.

4. Information on books by Rowling beyond book seven.

5. Tips on what to do while you wait!

The Appendix contains the Usenet newsgroup alt.fan.harry-potter’s Frequently Asked Questions file (FAQ), which covers issues ranging from book one through book seven. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For all those fans who simply can't get enough of Harry Potter andcompany, here is a happy solution. This full-color poster book features 15 smalltear-out posters of the Muggle world's favorite wizard and his friends. Takendirectly from the live-action film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone(based, of course, on the book of the same title), each poster includes excitingscenes and characters from the movie, ready for display on the bedroom wall.Harry, Hermione, and Ron figure prominently, along with glimpses of Dumbledoreand Hagrid. There's even a most-appealing shot of Harry, Ron, and Ron's rat,Scabbers, goofing around and gorging on Honeydukes candy. (Ages 7 to 12)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Lackluster
Anyone looking at this won't find anything new, Potterhead or not. I was severely unimpressed by the trailer for this upcoming movie, but the poster book is even less interesting.

Several of the posters consist of headshots of the characters, underlaid by rather flat photos of secondary characters, minor characters, or secondary sets. As virtually everyone now knows what the Harry, Ron, and Hermione actors look like, I was hoping to see clear pix of people like Malfoy and McGonagall. Nope--we're given several headshots of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Other elements were previously glimpsed in the trailer, such as the goblin; others were badly defined, such as the Forbidden Forest. The brooms in Quidditch training look like they'e about to snap in half. And, connected to my complaint about the trailer, no Voldemort.

Not all were bad, as we get a better look at Hagrid and Dumbledore (who looks like Gandalf on Halloween). We are also given a glimpse of Ron's rat; additionally, we are given a glimpse of Harry and Ron laughing and joking together. I know now that the kid playing Harry Potter looks much more endearing when he smiles, rather than the ultra-solemn look.

Buy this book only if you're a die-hard Potterhead, otherwise you'll be utterly uninterested.

A practical way of covering your walls with Harry Potter pix
The "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster Book" is pretty much ideal in terms of contents and price for the kids who wants to plaster Harry, Ron and Hermione on their bedroom wall. Just be sure to show your kid how to take out the staples instead of standing by and watching them rip the book apart. Some kids will want a big poster on the wall, but most are going to be happier having these much better shots of the main trio of Hogsworth students. Think of it this way: You get 15 good sized posters for what it would cost you for one 8x10 glossy of your favorite character. Admittedly this was geared towards being a promotional item and not giving away too much of the film, but there does not seem to be a second poster book now that the film is in theaters and the first several hundred millions are in the bank. From the smile on Maggie's face she did not seem bothered by this book's shortcomings (I am informed she will be marrying Ron) and that is all that really matters.

For those eager fans who can't wait for the film.
The second Harry Potter poster book brings you huge, glossy photos from the "Chamber of Secrets" film. There are posters of your favorite Harry Potter characters (castmembers dressed up in costume) and great film scenes. You can cut them out of the poster book if you'd like and hang them up but they are just as fun to look at by flipping through the book. The photos are not the same ones that you keep on seeing on every single Harry Potter site--a lot of them are rare ones that can only be found in this poster book. If you're a huge Harry Potter fan and can't wait for the "Chamber of Secrets" film to open, then this poster book is a must.

I highly recommend the "Chamber of Secrets" poster book.

Score:
100/100
A+

Great Posters!
The "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" Movie Poster Book is an excellent addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection. The posters are high quality; slighltly glossy, nicely sized, and has a clean and crisp finish to the photos. Many of the posters are collages, which I really liked because they are done in such a nice way. My entire household (that would be three younger sisters and two parents) all love Harry Potter, so of course we all ran out to get our own copies! I suggest saving this booklet (or buying two, the price is great), because it will defintely become more valuable as the years go on since Harry Potter is destined to be popular years from now!

OK but not the best
This is OK but I like toys better. Personally I wouldn't buy this. I mean, once you hang them up all they do is sit there. It's not as good as other things. ... Read more

Book Description

Are some of the world's most talented children's book authors essentially children themselves? In this engaging series of essays, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alison Lurie considers this theory, exploring children's classics from many eras and relating them to the authors who wrote them, including Little Women author Louisa May Alcott and Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum, as well as Dr. Seuss and Salman Rushdie. Analyzing these and many others, Lurie shows how these gifted writers have used children's literature to transfigure sorrow, nostalgia, and the struggles of their own experiences. ... Read more

Book Description

Arranged For Piano (Level 3-4)Eight selections from the soundtrack from the award winning composer John Williams. This songbook also contains seven pages of color photographs. Song titles: Aunt Marge's Waltz, Buckbeak's Flight, Double Trouble, Hagrid The Professor, Hedwig's Theme, The Snowball Fight, A Window To The Past, A Winter's Spell. ... Read more

Book Description

Harry Potter no es un chico común, extraña el colegio en el verano.Pero su colegio es un colegio de magia y Harry es un mago.Este es el tercer episodio de la serie de novelas que ha causado un impacto mundial. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

great story, horrible translation
The third Harry Potter book is awesome. The author really lets the characters evolve and be more real than the previous two books. She lets them have more emotional depth and it's great.

The translation, however, is not that great. There are parts where I simply do no understand why the translators chose one word instead of some other, much better, alternative.

I agree with the first reviewer. The Spanish language can lend itself really well to certain things, and children's literature is definitely one of them. This translation could have been so different. There was such potential and it was just completely ignored.

Here's an example:

The title of the first chapter is "Lechuzas Mensajares," which means "Messenger Owls." The title of the first chapter in the English book is "Owl Post." I simply don't understand why the translators didn't translate it as "Correo de Lechuza" or even a less grammatically correct "Lechuza Correo" or any other variant of the two words.

It really is a good book, it's just sad the translation doesn't do it justice. The publishers really should retranslate it.

desapointing
after reading all the Harry Potter books in english wich i enjoyed extreamly, was looking forward to find how much fun would it be to read them in spanish (my first language) also. i'm so desapointed with this "dictionary" translation, the book lacks feeling, fluidity, i find it choppy and to my amaizment was to find SO many gramar incorrectness in the book, this translation shows no real effort to capture the spirit of the caracters. it's a shame that the translators did not take advantages of all the posibilities that such a great language as spanish offers to give this book the same feeling and fun to read as the english versions.

Amazing!
Out of all the Harry Potter books, this would be my favourite! I loved how Sirius was so nice to Harry! I also liked how there was so much about Harry's Parents. I loved this book especially when they all found out that his dad was a Animagus along with everyone else.. I was so upset when I found out that it was ***** who dies in the next book! I haven't even read it yet and I'm sad anyway!

Harry Potter Review
I am reviewing the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The author of this book is J.K Rowling. I thought this book was very interesting. It all starts out when Harry's parents were killed by Voldemort. They said that Sirius Black betrayed Harry's father by being Lord Voldemort's spy. Harry hears about this and wants to go and kill him. His friend Hagrid is losing the case against his animal Buckbeak. Harry, Ron, and Hemione go to Hagrid's house the day of the execution, but he tells them to go back to Hogwarts. On their way back, Ron gets stuck on the Whooping Willow, the tree. To Harry and Hermione's surprise, theyfind Black in there. Read this book to find out what Black has to say and do about what he is being accused of.

Excellent
I LOVED this book I already read it twice in English and I've tooken spanish for 7 years as well but even if you don't know spanish you can still understand whats going on in the book if you've already read it in English J.K.Rowling has written another wonderful book taking you to the 3rd exciting & mysterious year of Hogwarts so kick back! and enjoy this EXCELLENT book by J.K.Rowling. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

......
Well yes i go to a french school and, yes i know french. I finished reading this book and it is really not the same...I don't really like it at all...I mean, look at the cover!!!
The English one is MUCH better because well just because!

This book is AWESOME!
Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts, his wizarding school, and thankful for it. He had the worst summer with the Dursleys, his aunt, uncle, and cousin, whom he hates. He met a house elf, who caused him to be locked in his room for 3 days, with next to no food at all. Then the Wesleys come to rescue him, in a flying car. But that is not all that happends, Harry and Ron can't get through the wall to the Hogwarts train that awaits them on the other side. Then they remember the flying car. After a rough journey to his school and an even rougher landing, Harry Potter thinks that it can't gets worse, but it does. A cat is found hanging on a lamp post in front of Harry, Ron and Hermione, not quite dead, but not really alive, it was Stunned. Then, even worse, a student is next. Everyone, but a couple of his friends thinks that Harry did it. And when people keep getting Stunned, no one belives that he is innocent. It is up to Ron, Hermione, and Harry to find out who is really doing it, before the Hogwarts students get killed off one by one......

Harry Potter 2
This is an exciting and thrilling book. I couldn't put it down! It was so exciting to find a book that I enjoyed so much! The part with the basilisk. If you are a young Harry Potter lover make sure you get to read the first three books. Read the second one slowly and make sure you understand it. You will indefinetily find it very thrilling! ... Read more

Book Description

Millions of children across the globe are enjoying the magical adventures of Harry Potter. Are these harmless fantasies or is a sinister spirit lurking behind the best-selling books? Hour of the Witch: Harry Potter, Wicca, Witchcraft, and the Bible scrutinizes these popular tales from a spiritual standpoint. Sorcery, séances and the supernatural are essential to Harry Potter’s escapades. So parents should be aware of how all this wizardry influences their kids. Does being immersed in images of witchcraft have a lasting impact on an impressionable mind?

Learn the truth behind Harry Potter and how to protect your children from being bewitched. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hour of the Witch, nicely done.
I found the "Hour of the Witch" to be a refreshingly sane look at Wicca
and some of the cultural pressures which help it to flourish here in
America.
It is a balanced look at the topic from a Christian perspective, and I
for one, appreciate the lack of shrill sensationalism that generally
accompanies a book on the subject from a Christian author.

Mark Bishop
Ex-Occultist

I have to say no to it
First off let me explain that I am coming to you, by way of this review, as someone who had been caught up in the practice of Wicca/Witchcraft...only to be saved by Christ.Glad to be saved by Christ.Still, for several years both in Florida and in the Carolinas I was involved, deeply and utterly, in the Craft as it is called at times.Wicca is dangerous because it seems so innocent at first...for example, say the environmental movement ideology behind much of Wicca is noble, sure; another example, say the pro-women/pro-female is also noble and enlightening, again, yes; another example, its version of loving one's neighbor (i.e. harm none) is commendable, again, yes.But deeper into the practice, when you involve yourself with Spirit Guides, with rituals like calling down the moon, with summoning such "seemingly honorable entities" as the Horned Man, the Green Man, the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone), you begin...and I say this as a Christian who now looks back at my practicing Wicca/the Craft...yourself into involving yourself with demons from the very lies of Satan Himself (ironically, the Wiccan doesn't believe in a devil, though does believe in a dark side to nature).As C S Lewis says to the effect, you power the Satan by either giving him too much credit or not any credit at all.

Now, about this book, yes there are some very important parts to this book, but really, its just tagging along with all the Harry Potter novelties.This author has already had his say with the Left Behind books, so what's next?Next thing you know you'll see him talking about oh sayDan Brown and his trash books.Looking deeper, this book by Wohlberg does not offer you anything new that a half a dozen other Christian responses to Harry Potter books haven't already said themselves.This author has only 1/4 of anything new to offer the worthy student of Christian responses to other religions/ideologies.I won't lie and say otherwise, but I have been playing Dungeons & Dragons most of my life.It isn't children's books that bring people young and old into Wicca/Witchcraft...it isn't role playing games that bring young and old into Wicca/Witchcraft...what brings people into such a belief system?Easy.Its accessability.

Think of it this way.How often are you yourselves open to visitors to your church or Sunday school?How many times do you look at a particular person who might be a member of your church, whom youve heard gossip about, andthus you prejudge the person?I know I've not always been perfect but what drew me into Wicca was accessability, their openness in inviting me to share in their culture.Games and fantasy novels aren't what get people into practicing this dangerous religion.Or any of the other multitudes of religions out there in this postmodern day and age.For me, it was being pushed away and judged by the churches I tried hard to be a part of, and then finding the Wiccans to be open to me.

I am just glad that God brought me through all the bad experiences that I had with church and brought me to the Cross where I found true acceptance, love, care, holiness, and reason.So if you, my dear reader, wish to make sure your friends and your family aren't brought into Wicca or any other man made religion, remember to love the sinner and not the sin.You can be tolerant without being overtly politically correct.You can be loving, while still making a stand for what is right and what is wrong.You can listen without judge.You can love without superficial conditions.Let your church be acceptable and open to others in your community while remaining under the wings of truth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Hour of the Witch" - by Steve Wohlberg

"Hour of the Witch" is an excellent book!!

First of all, the book is engaging. I couldn't put it down. It is very well researched, documented and written. Steve Wohlberg does a great job of explaining in very simple terms what Wicca Witchcraft is and demonstrates that much of its belief system / life style is indeed reflected in the "Harry Potter" series.

Unlike other works on this topic, "Hour of the Witch" does an outstanding job of addressing Wiccan beliefs and the Harry Potter debate in a respectful way so as to avoid the negatively charged emotions often associated with these controversial subjects. The Author understands that those who practice Wicca Witchcraft (far from being evil monsters) are most often very pleasant, sincere individuals who are honestly attempting to tap into supernatural powers to do good - just like "Harry Potter" does in the stories. And who wouldn't like to do that? Herein lies the allure of "Harry Potter".

Many see no harm in "Harry Potter," while others misunderstand and condemn Wiccans based on pre-conceived ideas.This book will help tremendously in opening minds and hearts on either side of this controversy.

While the warnings in this book against Witchcraft (which are all Biblically based) are straightforward and non-apologetic, the author does not attempt to condemn those who practice Wicca.Instead, he masterfully explains Wiccan beliefs and practices in simple terms, shares the truths of the Bible, and then compares and contrasts the two belief systems, illuminating the dangers that the Bible foretells can come upon those who open "alternative" spiritual gateways. The book is filled with excellent insights and should go a long way in helping readers on both sides of the debate. Whether you like or dislike "Harry", or if you are a practicing Wiccan, "Hour of the Witch" is a must-read for all.

Pottermania, Wicca, & the Embracing Love of God
Hour of the Witch is an exceptionally well written, well organized book. The author's premise, that the Harry Potter books can and do impact the very thoughts and lives of individuals, is meticulously researched and documented.While the book is understandably from a Christian point of view, Steve Wohlberg maintains an open heart and concern for those with opposing viewpoints, and offers words of hope and encouragement to all.There is no "witch-bashing" or maniacal, frenzied fire-and-brimstone diatribes.On the contrary, Hour of the Witch brings careful and considerate Christian views to the subject of Wicca and it's relationship - overt (easily seen) and occult (hidden) - to the exponentially growing fascination with the Harry Potter phenomena.But the love and word of God is first and foremost declared in this book.As a former witch, I highly recommend Hour of the Witch - to parents, to teachers, and even to practitioners of the Craft.

Harry Potter, Wicca Witchcraft and the Bible
This is a TERRIFIC book.Steve Wohlberg has taken great pains to carefully document Harry Potter's relationship with modern witchcraft and Wicca.He then contrast the difference between Wiccan and Biblical teaching.He draws from many sources, avoiding injecting his own opinion into the controversy until a fair analysis of both sides has been made.
This is the kind of book EVERY parent should read, because it gives a perspective that is balanced, and fair.It gives the reader a chance to consider Harry Potter, Wicca, and the Bible from a point of view that may not be popular--it may not be what you're reading in the media, but reminds us that the Bible condemns witchcraft in ALL forms. Wohlberg moves on to show that the Bible's teaching--even its strongest warnings are for our protection and welfare.

One powerful chapter that should not be missed is entitled, "The Spell:It Is Only Fiction!" Wohlberg's critics will always jump at this claim.But the fact is, "Fiction is a powerful communicator of ideas that influence thought and behavior."Fiction is a tool to teach, much like a Biblical parable can convey a powerful message.As Wohlberg states in his close of that chapter, "Albus Dumbledore says, 'Truth is generally preferable to lies.'This isn't right.Truth is always preferable to lies."Why is this important? Because as Wohlberg points out, the Bible warns us about a powerful fallen angel who opposed God by mixing truth with error to mask his deceptions.

In closing, I find that Wohlberg effectively contrasts two opposing philosophies.One popular with the world, and lauded in the media.The other built on Biblical teaching. This is much more useful to me than those who are shouting that Harry Potter has nothing to do with real witchcraft, or worse, that real witchcraft doesn't exist.Buy this book!It pays to have new perspective. ... Read more

Book Description

Answers to the Burning Questions Christian Parents, Educators, and Others Are Asking about Harry Potter.

In the world of publishing, few successes have equaled that o