Customer Reviews
a lttle disappointing 
2007-12-14
It's got some extra info in it about the HP universe but I just found the book to not be as good as others I've read, the one done by mugglenet was far better...
Terrific Facts and Fun Information 
2007-11-21
Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter by Tere StoufferWhen I got this book I thought it might just be a recap of the Harry Potter books, all of which I enjoyed immensely. However, to my surprise and delight this is truly a GUIDE, although certainly not written for idiots, despite the catchy name of the series of excellent and informative books! Instead, it holds a wealth of fascinationg knowledge, showing that J.K. Rowling really researched her fantastic stories in minute detail,rather than making it all up. In this guide, which you can use like a dictionary to look up terms you don't understand in the British or archaic language, or which you can enjoy reading straight through and devouring the knowledge of medieval practices, beliefs, cures, spells, and more. You can understand terms used in fairy tales and old English and Celtic lore; increase your vocabulary to include many real words you didn't know; understand references to mythological traditions and floklore; have insight into the beliefs and legends of Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian, and Roman gods and traditions. You will learn about many herbs and the actual medicinal practices of ancient times, on which Rowling bases her potions. And, of course, many of the references and situations in the Harry Potter Series are explained and clarified, without ruining the plot of those you haven't yet read. This is a fascinating book to read even if you have not read the Rowling books. I highly recommend it!
Perfect for keeping the Potter magic alive! 2008-05-09
Any collection including Harry Potter fans - and all public lending libraries will qualify - will find plenty of interest in this guide to THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, a survey of the history, mythology and science of all seven Potter novels. Here's a inspired guide which covers everything from herbs and plants to magic, 'the King's English', and meanings of British and mythology terminology - all under one cover. Perfect for keeping the Potter magic alive!
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
If you've read the Harry Potter books, you've read this book too. 2008-03-13
This book was well-written, but it did not offer any information that cannot be gleaned from reading J.K. Rowling's original works. There are no startling tidbits of information that a majority of readers overlooked while reading the Harry Potter series.
If you have never read Rowling's books, this IS a good book for basic information. It doesn't offer plot summaries or character analysis; I believe the author would prefer you to read Rowling's works.
If you are a big fan of the Harry Potter series and you have read the books numerous times, this book has nothing new to offer. All that a true Harry Potter fan will find is some interesting information about non-magical British society that many American readers may not be familiar with.
A Great Guide for Novice and Harry Potter Experts 2008-01-30
Covering everything from The Ministry of Magic to Draughts and Potions, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter" is a handy reference for novice and Harry Potter experts alike. The book gives readers an understanding of the origins of Rowling's work. It can be read from cover to cover, in sections, or by chapters of interest. The book is divided into five user-friendly sections. Sprinkled throughout the chapters, the author includes "boxes" that clarify wizarding terminology, explain unfamiliar British terms, discuss how the story ties into mythology, folklore, and biblical myths, and give travel tips that guide the reader around the wizarding world. Also provided, are list of "wizarding websites" that will be of interest to avid fans, and a glossary of British terms that can be used to easily locate and understand unfamiliar British terms that appear in the series.
Whether you are attending a Harry Potter party and need a crash course, or whether you are a hardcore fan and need to do some fact checking, this book is an ideal resource. The information is organized in an easy-to-use format that is not overwhelming. Readers will appreciate the smaller trim size (6 X 9) which fits nicely in any backpack.
Finally! A wonderful critical, academic look into HP! 2008-01-13
What an amazing, thoroughly researched guide for those of us in and out of the academic realm! You don't have to be a scholar to "get" this book and its analysis of the world of Harry Potter...but even if you are, you'll also find new insights! J.K. Rowling should be proud of what she has created...the stimulation she has provided in the minds of her fans. Brilliant!
A Harry Potter Fan's Thoughts -- "Covers All Seven Books" is Slightly Misleading 
2008-01-07
"The Complete Idiots Guide to the World of Harry Potter" is a fine book in book in the line of reference books for the "Harry Potter" series. However, it's promoted as having "in-depth information on all seven books in the Harry Potter series." Hogwash. A quick look at the contents of the book reveals that it contains, at best, minimal information about the seventh book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." In fact, the information about the final book is stuffed into the final chapter and is not properly edited into the other chapters. For example, in one area, the book discusses magical gadgets and refers to Dumbledore's "Put-Outer." The author comments that it's "not the most creatively named object in the wizarding world." Well, if the information about the seventh book had been added into the text proper, then it would mention that this object full-well does have a proper name -- it's the "Deluminator."
Small problem such as this aside, this is a great reference book for the series. Sure, it may not be as in-depth as other guides, but it's written more for the average reader, perhaps someone who hasn't even read the "Harry Potter" books. And I can tell you, as a fan, and someone who has read all seven (as well as a number of others related to the series), this book has a lot of good information. It's taught me many references and things I didn't know about the series, and also serves as a great primer of the basics. It is split up into several chapters, which cover various things, including the famous names of the wizarding world, the various types of spells, the types of magical animals, the key objects that witches and wizards need, and much more.
Overall, both fans and those who've never opened one of the HP books before can get enjoyment out of this book. It serves as both a fine reference and refresher.
