Fact, Fiction, and Folklore in Harry Potter's World

Review from VOYA

OCTOBER 2005

VOYA                                                                        

    Pottermania is not limited to fiction, as this useful guide shows.  Magicians and muggles alike will benefit from the author’s strong attention to detail and interesting descriptions of all things Harry.      Beginning with an introduction  to Magizoology (the study of magical beasts), readers learn how to rid themselves of unwanted creatures as well as tips and tricks to avoid, defeat, tame, and use to advantage.  References to Scamander’s Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them provide information on the features of dwarves, elves, faeries, and all manner of beasties fair and foul.  Organizing his material alphabetically, Beahm references the history of magic through the ages, enchanting places, myths ancient and modern, and sources that J.K. Rowling might have used in creating Harry’s world.  A tremendous amount of backstory gives readers new to the series a taste of the first five adventures, whereas seasoned veterans will rediscover how things magical and muggle have affected Hogwarts’ students.
    Reading this latest guide to the Harry Potter series is like being in a class at Hogwarts.  The depth and breadth of topics is impressive, and those who read it from cover to cover will find numerous suggestions on what to read when they have finished Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Scholastic, 2005/VOYA review this issue).  Teens “hooked on Harry” will learn about ideas, persons, and places they might not have known existed, making this entry into the Potter universe well worth a look.
– Jay Wise.