Editorial Review
What you need to know about The Hidden Key to Harry Potter:
1) It is the first critical study to unlock the inner meaning of Harry Potter by treating the series seriously as literature along the lines of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.
2) It is the first exposé to identify Joanne Rowling as a Christian who consciously writes Christian Fantasy in the tradition of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.
3) It is the first full-fledged effort to predict Potter’s future course in detail – an audacious and thought-provoking adventure offered to fellow enthusiasts.
4) It is the first Muggle textbook suitable for use at Hogwarts – bringing humor, fun, and WOW! excitement to the "serious" business of Pottermania.
Low Road critics have panned the bestselling Harry Potter novels as "the literary equivalent of fast food" and as a gateway to the occult. But no one has explained the worldwide popularity of Ms. Rowling’s fiction or read it as one would read Tolkien, Hemingway, or Shakespeare. The Hidden Key takes the High Road to understanding Harry Potter’s success, through an exploration of the series’ structure, themes, and symbolism.
The astonishing conclusion of this investigation is that Ms. Rowling, demonized by some Christian critics because of the magical setting of her books, is ironically writing the most charming and challenging Christian fiction for children since Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. The Hidden Key demonstrates that all the Potter books teach Christian doctrines - sometimes with subtlety, often baldly - in their plot, imagery, and character development. Lambasted by critics who have not read her books closely or are unfamiliar with traditional Christian literature, Ms. Rowling’s genius has been overlooked despite her books’ success.
A lover and teacher of the Great Books – including the great children’s books he reads his seven children – Mr. Granger applies his knowledge of classical philosophy and Christian traditions to reveal the secret message that explains the magic power of Harry Potter.
Find out these secrets inside:
* What is the hidden key to Harry Potter?
* Is Harry’s magic dangerous – or quite the opposite?
* What is the evidence that Rowling is a Christian novelist?
* Is the author an "Inkling"? How have we been so bamboozled?
* Who is the real-world model for Gilderoy Lockhart?
* Who is Harry, really? Why does Lord Voldemort want him dead?
* Will Wormtail kill Voldemort as Wormtongue killed Saruman?
* What may happen in the upcoming Potter books?
* How does it all end? – an UNAUTHORIZED prediction.
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Customer Reviews
Current review for a pre Order of the Phoenix item. 
2004-07-16
Firstly The hidden key to Harry Potter is a good book to buy, for understanding of the whole series. Unfortunately, the book was published before Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was published, and since that book is about to be re-published in paperback it goes that much of the information in John Granger's book could be updated. And of course, Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince, the 6th volume of the series of seven books, has already been started.
The book is dotted with tables that illustrate eloquently what the author is talking about, but while I was re-reading the book recently, it was all I could do (like not having a biro handy at the time) to stop myself adding another column or row to these tables for relevance to OOTP. I felt like drawing over the book with my opinions of how relevant each remark was to the 5th book of the series.
To do the book justice, I think many of the observations about the whole series are spot-on. John Granger makes some very astute observations. He foresees, for example, Percy Weasley's estrangement from his family in book 5, and much else besides. But it would be unreasonable to expect the author to upgrade the book to a second edition on the strength of the accuracy of observations about the contents of the already published and read Order of the Phoenix. There is another in the series imminent which would leave even the completed 2nd edition out of date.
Therefore I suggest that people who buy the book for all the value it represents in analysis, should not expect to keep the book unused on the bookshelf for later donation to a library. Instead, buy the book in the full knowledge that the buyer will write over it, add to anything not included, adjust to the buyer's readings of later books, rewrite the book on the buyer's own terms, and generally have fun with it.
Good luck.
Disappointing 
2004-07-03
This book was a huge disappointment. First, the author does not use correct spellings (i.e. Flu powder instead of Floo powder). He then goes on to mislabel the town where Harry and his parents lived before they were killed (Godric's Place instead of Godric's Hollow). I know this seems like nitpicking, but if you are going to write a book like this, all the small details should be correct. As far as the predictions go...well, you would be much better off reading The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Walters. I was thoroughly under whelmed by this entire book.
Solid analysis coupled with a very personal interpretation 2004-03-16
Granger provides some excellent insight and delivers it with a good sense of humor. He is to be commended for focusing on the books themselves (books 1 - 4) rather than on prediction making or the over-documented "Harry Potter Social Phenomenon." His 'Harry Potter 101' chapter and his analysis of the themes of Death and of Choice are excellent.
Unfortunately, his very personal and emphatic religious interpretation of the series does limit the universality of his analysis. If you find daily living to be rife with Christian symbol you'll probably enjoy this book as much as many other Amazon reviewers have. If not, you may be frustrated by its limitations.
Much of the symbolic interpretation and character name derivations are simply unsupportable and there's a marked tendency to view the Potterverse in shades of pure black and white. A deep connection between J.K. Rowling and the Inkling authors is assumed rather than successfully argued. Confusion between Shakespeare's Hal and Hotspur is a particular embarrassment.
Rigid point of view not withstanding Granger has invested some very serious thought in this Harry Potter review. For the non-Christian reader some parts will be a slog but the open-minded reader of any faith (or none) will come away with some valuable insight.
Thorough Literary Criticism 
2004-03-13
I found "The Hidden Key to Harry Potter" a thorough literary criticism on multiple levels. Mr. Granger maps out a complete step by step journey, walking the reader through each gem, (the themes and meanings running through each book) from the introduction where he identifies each component and discusses it thoroughly to the Inkling world view. Then, with these eye opening revelations firmly implanted in a readers mind, he takes them on a new, enticing journey, (lifting the veil to reveal the true meaning) through each individual Harry Potter novel up to the "Goblet of Fire". I love his exposing the secret within "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". J.K. Rowling's didactic book about books tells us the really dangerous books are ... well, you'll just have to read "The Hidden Key" to find the answer.
There is so much knowledge to gain from this book! Truly an incredible work. Besides being a great help in discussing the value of the Harry Potter novels to our friends and relatives, it has given our entire family a deeper understanding and a fuller appreciation of J. K.'s work, as well as a peek at how her mind works. I can't tell you how much I appreciate Mr. Granger's work. I have read other so called literary criticisms that were so full of obvious bias and fallacies they became a thinly veiled call for book burnings. Or those that were utterly useless, coming from the wrong focus. "The Hidden Key" is none of these. It comes up hitting the mark, with bull's eye accuracy and precision.
On another point, I rate highly a book by being able to check the authors veracity through the listings of supporting evidence. Mr. Granger once again is no slacker on this point. With other books, I have found it no end of frustration trying verify authors adherence to the truth when they give no basis for support throughout their critical response.
Mr. Granger's addition of maps and charts aided in our visualization of his explanations. While we thoroughly enjoyed all of the book, we especially enjoyed the Christian symbolism.
The appendixes were particularly valuable. Again and again I have returned to them. Having read all eight books in Appendix B, Guide to the Guides - Books about Harry Potter, I've purchased three. I've moved on in my reading and am still following Appendix C, Reference List - Recommended Further Reading. "The Hidden Key" challenged me to read more about the Inklings, Tolkien and Lewis. What a pleasure it has been. It also has intrigued me with the type of higher education the Inklings, Ms. Rowling and Mr. Granger have obtained. I hope to discover more of what was taught these great authors and further my own understanding.
The only thing I would want, that this book now lacks, is for it to be updated to include "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"; as well as books six and seven when they appear! Don't change a thing, just add to include the new JKR books.
Four Types Of People In The World 2004-02-27
...The Hidden Key to Harry Potter is a must for types 1 and 2. The author, John Granger has the credentials to back up his thesis that the Harry Potter books have been written by a Christian writer that has a Christian story to tell. He compares the symbolism in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings series with the work of J. K. Rowling. He also mentions that Rowling has been greatly influenced by Austen and Dickens. Granger goes on to say that Rowling has an intellectual pedigree of the first order and that she is writing profoundly Christian books drawing on classical philosophy, theology and symbolism.
If you can't get enough of Harry Potter and want to revisit the tales with a man of insight and understanding buy The Hidden Key to Harry Potter. You will be delighted.
Thought Provoking but Needs Typist 2007-03-20
This book has some great thought provoking ideas but these are masked by the many typos throughout. In one particular paragraph the 9 errors caught were extremely distracting. It is ashame the errors are so much, I think this book could be taken very seriously if it was edited better.
I love the diagrams and maps throughout the book, they really helped to illustrate the points. His view on the topic of Harry and religion is interesting. It has helped me in my constant defense for the books (against Christian friends, family, and neighbors). I think in a couple of sections, though, he pushes the envelope a tad too far and some areas seem like rambling. It is in need of better organization, in some spots I felt like I was reading a high school research paper.
All in all a good read...but requires patience!
The "Hidden Key" Revealed by Sound Scholarship 
2005-09-25
Anyone interested in digging deeper into the richness and multi-layered meaning of the Harry Potter books will be well rewarded by reading The Hidden Key to Harry Potter. Far from mere fantasy books for children, or, even more erroneous, books glorifying "witchcraft", the stories are revealed to be carefully planned, researched, and written according to the traditions which enrich all outstanding fiction. J.K. Rowling's education and literary influences are carefully delineated and applied to the critique of each of her novels; and, if the author (John Granger) occasionally goes into bewildering detail about some little known, but vital, subject such as alchemy, a careful reading of the material will reward the reader interested in literary history, the meaning of symbols, and the sources for a vast deal of Rowling's symbology. She is shown to be applying once well-known symbols with care and deliberation to support her themes; in other words, much of what the reading public has assumed was "made up" by a writer with a fertile imagination is demonstrated to be well-established historical and literary lore which other, highly gifted writers before her have employed with great success. While some of Granger's interpretations may seem a bit of a stretch--and he admits that a certain amount of speculating and educated guesswork enters into his critique--enough of it is so convincing and holds together so well that his theories come across as the best of explanations going for the popularity of these novels. While out of print, "Hidden Key" is a real treasure for Harry Potter fans; much of its content has been rewritten in Granger's current book, "Finding God in Harry Potter." A scholarly book, richly rewarding and wonderfully researched.
Magic and Meaning 2005-04-04
Responses to Harry Potter range from simple, uncluttered enthusiasm to pompous critiques and even outraged disdain. John Granger's book The Hidden Key to Harry Potter is a highly personal, but well-read and creatively argued case for viewing JK Rowling's work as part of the High Road tradition of symbolic Christian literature, perhaps best known in Lewis' Narnia Chronicles.
The Hidden Key is a must-read for any serious Harry Potter fan, or indeed any serious reader of fiction. What I love about it is its combination of solid research and personal conviction, a rare marriage nowadays. It reads like the work of a human being who stands for something, something of which I suspect Ms Rowling, and Harry, would approve.
http://bookwormclub.blogspot.com
Analyze this? 2004-08-19
This is a meaningless attempt to find meaning in works of fiction by attempting to psychoanalyze the author, her readers and the fictional characters. Too dry and boring for younger readers and adults alike. This appears to be nothing more than an attempt to make more money off the Harry Potter craze.
Entertaining and Enlightening 2004-08-13
This is a great book that dives into some of the nuances of the Harry Potter series. It goes into a very supportive and in depth literary analyses of why Harry Potter is such an awesome series: Rowling's uses of symbolism, freedom of choice, and various other themes riddle throughout the first four books. He defends it as a literary work against the detractors of the Potter series and does a very good job at it. If you want to dig a little into the deeper meanings that can be found in Harry Potter, this is a good book for anyone. Just be careful. Because Granger wrote it before Order of the Phoenix, some of his predictions about what's going to happen in the future do get a bit silly, and sometimes preposterous. But, hey, this was before the public was graced with book 5.
