'Harry Potter and History' edited by Nancy R. Reagin
Recently, I was sent a book called 'Harry Potter and History' by Wiley Publishing Company. The book is a collection of chapters, each on focusing on a different area of history in context with the Potter series, and each one by a different author. Something that stands out about this companion book to the series is that the authors are clearly Harry Potter fans: rather than simply making general claims and comments about the wizarding world, the book is well-researched and is accurate in its Potter facts and quotations. All sources are cited and the chapters cover a wide range of historical topics - from the role of women to witch trials, so it's sure to include a period of history that you love. Unless, of course, you don't like history at all.
But even then, 'Harry Potter and History' provides an interesting insight into how J.K. Rowling created her world as well as its parallels with Muggle society. For example, you probably assumed that 'Avada Kedavra' was just a mutation of the word 'Abracadabra'. However, M.G. Dupree, the author of one of the chapters, shows us several theories as to how and why 'Avada Kedavra' became the chosen words of J.K. Rowling.
Obviously, an analytical reading of Harry Potter isn't for everyone, but I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to delve into the next layer of meaning in Harry's world. After reading this book, it also seems as though J.K. Rowling intended the Potter series to be read in context with Muggle history. Some of the best parallels are explained in my favourite chapter, 'Was Voldemort a Nazi?' by Nancy R. Reagin, especially those relating to wizarding blood status and Hitler's policies regarding race.
Another thing that stood out having read 'Harry Potter and History' is that each author is a specialist in their subject, which means that the best, most accurate and most interesting information has been chosen by someone who knows and loves their subject, rather than just one person researching all periods of history, some of which may feel unfamiliar to them. Not only are the authors specialists and Harry Potter fans - they are also excellent writers, which is a necessity for a good book, and a good book, this certainly is.
You can buy 'Harry Potter and History' from Wiley for £11.99 or $14.40.
But even then, 'Harry Potter and History' provides an interesting insight into how J.K. Rowling created her world as well as its parallels with Muggle society. For example, you probably assumed that 'Avada Kedavra' was just a mutation of the word 'Abracadabra'. However, M.G. Dupree, the author of one of the chapters, shows us several theories as to how and why 'Avada Kedavra' became the chosen words of J.K. Rowling.
Obviously, an analytical reading of Harry Potter isn't for everyone, but I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to delve into the next layer of meaning in Harry's world. After reading this book, it also seems as though J.K. Rowling intended the Potter series to be read in context with Muggle history. Some of the best parallels are explained in my favourite chapter, 'Was Voldemort a Nazi?' by Nancy R. Reagin, especially those relating to wizarding blood status and Hitler's policies regarding race.
Another thing that stood out having read 'Harry Potter and History' is that each author is a specialist in their subject, which means that the best, most accurate and most interesting information has been chosen by someone who knows and loves their subject, rather than just one person researching all periods of history, some of which may feel unfamiliar to them. Not only are the authors specialists and Harry Potter fans - they are also excellent writers, which is a necessity for a good book, and a good book, this certainly is.
You can buy 'Harry Potter and History' from Wiley for £11.99 or $14.40.
