48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just What Potter Fans Needed!, September 22, 2004
This review is from: An Unofficial Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World: Exploring the Harry Potter Universe (Paperback)
J.K. Rowling has crafted a world that on the printed page, and with two books in her planned series still remaining, is nearly 2700 pages long. The first three films in the series clock in at nearly 455 minutes total. That is a heck of a lot of material to digest, let alone remember.
Fortunately, not even the wizard physicians at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries could have come up with a better remedy than that of first time author, Fionna Boyle. Like a spell cast to pack a wizard's suitcase, A Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World manages to cram just about everything you need to know about the world and experiences of Harry Potter into an extremely enjoyable (approximate) 450 pages. Amazingly, she does so without spoiling anything for those readers who may not have finished reading all of Rowling's work, while at the same time offering just enough information to make this guide an exciting read in its own right, and a useful resource for those of us who have read and re-read the books more times than we can count.
She begins with brief biographical information on Rowling and the story behind the story of Harry Potter's beginnings - a tale almost magical in itself.
Part One of the book is a discussion of the various characters in Harry's world, from his close friends Ron and Hermione and their families, to more recent characters, such as Luna Lovegood and even the miscellaneous witches and wizards that have appeared in the books that you may have forgotten.
Part Two looks at Hogwarts, which Boyle covers so thoroughly, it seems as if she had filched the Marauder's Map herself. We learn about the four houses, classes students take, the castle, and of course, Quidditch.
Part Three opens our eyes to the wizarding world. Places that have been explored in the novels and films such as Hogsmeade and Knockturn Alley are included, as are the Ministry of Magic, wizarding gizmos and gadgets, and many more interesting parts of this mysterious realm.
Part Four is perhaps the most useful inclusion for the common muggle, as it features lists of differences between the books and films, offers advice on a wizarding tour of Britain, gives parents a few hints on staging their child's next Potter-themed party, and a great deal more.
Overall, this book is an outstanding way to pass the time until the next Potter book or movie is there for fans to devour. Reading A Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World, I immediately wanted to pick up Rowling's earlier books again, as Boyle's text is so rich with details and enthusiasm for Harry Potter, that it's impossible to resist.
A Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World is an invaluable resource for Harry Potter fans. Absolutely recommended!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An essential addition to any HP library, October 26, 2004
This review is from: An Unofficial Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World: Exploring the Harry Potter Universe (Paperback)
Does Hermione have a middle name? What is Arithmancy? And what the heck does "pop my clogs" mean? You can find the answers to these and many other bits of interesting trivia, facts & more in "A Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World" by new author Fionna Boyle.
The book, by no means a substitution for the works of J.K. Rowlings (a fact which the author reminds the reader throughout), is a valuable resource for those readers who are reading a Harry Potter novel or watching one of the movies and have forgotten who's who, are curious to the deeper meanings of things or simply want to know 'more'.
While at first glance the guidebook might seem a simple encyclopedia of facts, don't be fooled. With more than 100 "did you know's", interesting character analysis, and greatly researched facts on mythological creatures, wands, magical studies and more the reader is brought deeper into the 'truths' behind the fiction. However, unlike other books in this genre, the author does not tell you how to interpret these meanings but guides you through a cornucopia of facts in a fun and easy to read style suitable for all ages. And for those who worry about being spoiled - don't. With clever written puns and allegories the author keeps those who have not read the complete series unspoiled while giving those who have a giggle or two.
The book also explores some other interesting areas such as how the books came to be, a British translation guide, comparisons between the first three books and movies, a tour of filming locations in Britain, how to host your own Harry Potter party and a list of fantastic Harry Potter websites.
Whether you're a first time reader or a die-hard fan, this guidebook is a fantastic read and an essential addition to any HP library.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Explores J. K. Rowling's entire fantasy universe, February 13, 2005
This review is from: An Unofficial Muggle's Guide to the Wizarding World: Exploring the Harry Potter Universe (Paperback)
Think you know all about Harry Potter? Think again, whether you're a parent or a teen fan of the series: Fionna Boyle's examination in A Muggle's Guide To The Wizarding World quite deftly explores J. K. Rowling's entire fantasy universe, covering all the finer points of the series thus far, examining its characters, creatures and mysticism, and arranging ideas by themes that excel in trivia and gentle encouragement for the reader to think about interpretation possibilities for the series. All five books and all three movies are included in the analysis, offering debates the entire family can enjoy. A Muggle's Guide To The Wizarding World is "must" reading for all Harry Potter fans!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
