Fact, Fiction, and Folklore in Harry Potter's World. An Unofficial Guide

Editorial Review
*This book is not prepared, endorsed, or authorized by J.K. Rowling or Warner Bros. and is not part of the Harry Potter series.* For fans who want to know about the myths, folklores, legends, and Muggle history embedded in the Harry Potter novels, Beahm's new book is a treasure trove of fun facts and tantalizing trivia covering the fabulous beasts and creatures, the wizards, magical artifacts, and magical places in the Harry Potter world. Covering Harry Potter novels 1 - 5, this unofficial guide includes sidebars, internet references, and enchangting art by five-time Hugo award-winning artist Tim Kirk and newcomer Britton McDaniel. This fascinating and educational book belongs on the shelf of every Muggle who wants to know Rowling's inspiration for the creatures, people, places, creatures, and things in the wizarding world.
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Customer Reviews

A disappointing read

2007-06-27
From the title and chapter headings, I thought this book would explore the myth and meaning behind Harry Potter somewhere around the level of "Goddesses in Every Woman" or "Hero with a Thousand Faces." I am really disappointing that the level of analysis is closer to "An Idiot's Guide to the Harry Potter Universe." Don't buy this book unless you want a regurgitation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, one of JKRs books for the Comic Relief charity. Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set: From the Library of Hogwarts: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages

Book full of interesting facts

2007-04-16
This was an intresting book but I don't plan on reading it again. Its more facts and interesting details about names, places, and beasts then guess about book 7 plots.

Over 300 entries to locate the myths, legends, literature and history in the Potter novels

2005-12-05
If you want an unofficial guide to Harry Potter's characters and commentary on their roots in other fantasy classics, use George Beahm's Fact, Fiction And Folklore In Harry Potter's World, an intriguing survey of over 300 entries to locate the myths, legends, literature and history in the Potter novels. From beasts and wizards to zombies, owls and amulets, this visual Harry Potter companion is much more than whimsy: it traces the literary roots - and often, the origins- of Potter's creations in traditional mythic literature.

Cool

2005-09-09
I haven't finished reading the book, but it's very detailed. I recommend it for anyone trying to understand the world of harry Potter better. As a writer and avid HP reader, I find it very interesting.

Good book but its missing a few things

2005-08-23
OK Well I found this to be a really good book that helps explain so many things but in the Witches and Wizards Through the ages section they forgot a few people like Sirius Black. There were a couple others but I can't remember right this moment who else. I'd like to know why they'd forget Sirius BLack when then can remember a useless git like stan shumpyke. Sirius is one of the more important charactors even after J.K. Rowling killed him off at end of book 5. Cried for days after that.

A very helpful guide!

2008-02-08
I am currently taking a literature course on Harry Potter, it is part of a children's literature minor that I am going for. This book was not required, but I got it in case it was a good supplement - and it is! This book explores roots behind names in their language. It also discusses what the "real" equivalent means to us. For example, how we view dragons (if they were real) versus how they are viewed in the magical world of J.K. Rowling.

An excellent, easy read, quick guide to some of the big mythologies and legends that go into the series - just in case you don't really know much about them!

Great Background

2008-01-21
Like many, a little disappointed at the final end of the harry Potter series (?), I found this to be an excellent background. Not to mention amusing.

You can feel your mental landscape adjusting just a little bit with every little factoid you glean....

needs no stars

2007-11-29
Why would anyone need a guide to understand the Harry Potter Series? J.K.Rowling certainly did a glorious job of the books, she made them quite clear. I have no respect for people who capitalize on the successful works of others. It implies that they have no talent of their own so therefore must glom onto the talent of another and ride their coat tails to success.

good book

2007-08-31
I bought this book for my children, and myself. I expected it to be a bit more, but my children found it to be informative. We found it to be a fun read, and the facts interesting. It made it fun to figure out where some of the characters and creatures were from.
I recommend this book to everyone.

good

2007-08-15
i would give it 5 stars but it was'nt as informative as i would have liked