Book Description
UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER gives you five essential keys for understanding the HARRY POTTER series. Not just who will live or die in DEATHLY HOLLOWS, but how J.K. Rowling created the most successful books of our times. To understand the story behind the stories, John Granger, author of THE HIDDEN KEY TO HARRY POTTER and editor of WHO KILLED ALBUS DUMBLEDORE?, introduces the themes and patterns Rowling uses to write books that resonate with readers of all ages. This book is for "serious readers" but Granger writes in a very entertaining style. If you never understood the term "postmodernism" or how "literary alchemy" is used by great authors from Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling, then this is a fun way to learn. UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER is the only book to examine in depth the importance of what Rowling said in an interview from 1998, that "to invent this wizard world" she had to learn about alchemy "in order to set the parameters and establish the stories' internal logic." - . - . - . - . - Here's what other HARRY POTTER authors and experts have to say about UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER: - . - . - . - . - "I got so hooked I had to stop everything else and just read, read, read. I carried it around the house, read it while using the excercycle, I hid in rooms away from the action of daily life so I could take it all in. I haven't had that reaction to a book since, well, THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. A spectacular read for all serious fans of Rowling's works. Compelling, well-argued, fun and funny. Engaging. Thought provoking. Erudite." - Tom Morris, author of IF HARRY POTTER RAN GENERAL ELECTRIC and PHILOSOPHY FOR DUMMIES. - . - . - . - . - "John Granger peels back the layers of Rowling's stories and sees patterns the rest of us miss - and he never forgets to be a fan, engaging in fun speculation about what will come in the finale. Once more Granger has shown himself to be second to none among Potter commentators and literary sleuths. Some books are meant to be ingested quickly. Not this one. Serious fans of HARRY POTTER will relish it." - David Baggett, editor of HARRY POTTER AND PHILOSOPHY.
Customer Reviews:
Unsat.......2007-09-09
I purchased this for my grandson, who at 91/2 is an exceptionally bright boy.
Neither he nor his father were able to make heads or tails out of this purchase.
I'm a much more serious reader now.......2007-08-17
Very early in the book John Granger recalls Professor Moody's trunk with 7 locks. Each time Dumbledore inserts a key into a different lock the trunk opens and contains different items. This book is exactly like that trunk! I have read or listened to every Harry Potter book (except Phoenix) more times than I can count and yet each time that Granger brings out a new key my reaction was "I didn't know that that was in there!" I even understand now why I didn't enjoy re-reading Phoenix (the alchemical "black" stage of the series)as much as the other books.
I didn't read this book until after I had read Deathly Hallows and I still truly enjoyed reading Granger's predictions. Some of them were spot on, while others weren't, but the premises on which they were based were solid. I had to laugh at one point, when a reference was made to the sun/Sol and moon/Luna coming together as part of an alchemical wedding. It wasn't precisely a prediction, but in Deathly Hallows Luna certainly did arrive at the wedding wearing brilliant yellow, "sun colors."
The best part is that I can reread the entire Potter series one more time, with a new perspective, and be assured of appreciating details that I have missed before.
Unlocking Harry Potter: Five for the Serious Reader .......2007-08-14
I have seen the books' author on tv, I like the way he divided the book in 5 parts so you can understand about Harry Potter.
good read even AFTER finishing the HP series.......2007-07-28
If you've already finished "Deathly Hallows," and you think this book is now obsolete, think again! This author's take on how Rowling thought while writing the HP series is fascinating and highly educational. Granger could teach a college course on the post-modern literary aspects of Harry Potter, and students would have to go on a wait list just to sign up for the course. Though Granger, I think, would be an annoying prof. His narrative voice has an edge of sarcasm and snobbery - which is hilarious and incredibly irritating at the same time.
Throughout reading this book, I was also fascinated with how on-target were many of his predictions for the "Deathly Hallows" book. At times he is way off-base, and other times you think he must have had an advance copy because he is so precise in his insights about how Rowling will think in crafting the 7th book. I learned a lot about this fascinating series - why I was duped by Rowling in almost every single book, why the themes are so compelling across 3 generations of readers ... and I was left wondering if we will ever again see a book or series like Harry Potter in our lifetime.
COLLEGE LEVEL READ.......2007-07-23
This book is for those who are serious about literature. It is designed for college educated or those who read at the college level. I have a Master's Degree though not in literature. Parts of the book were a challenge to understand.
Book Description
Harry Potter has put a spell on millions of readers, and they all want to find out more about the deeper meaning of his adventures. In Harry Potter and Philosophy, 17 experts in the field of philosophy unlock some of Hogwarts' secret panels, uncovering surprising insights that are enlightening both for wizards and for the most discerning muggles. Individual chapters look at such topics as life revealed in the Mirror of Erised; the ethics of magic; Moaning Myrtle, Nearly Headless Nick, and the relation of the mind to the brain; and the character of Hermione as a case of "sublimated feminism." Also examined in this witty collection are how Aristotle would have run a school for wizards; whether the Potter stories undermine religion and morality; how to tell good people from evil ones through the characters in these novels; and what dementors and boggarts can teach readers about happiness, fear, and the soul.
Customer Reviews:
1 great essay, 1 good essay, and 14 essays to waste your time.......2007-09-02
After finishing book 7, but before rereading all of the HP books, I wanted to read something that was about the HP books, to see what other people had to say.
This book, consisting of 16 essays, is not about the Harry Potter books. Rather, it uses the characters and events in the Harry Potter books to illustrate the philosophical arguments that are studied at University level in Philosophy 101. For the most part, it won't add to you knowledge of Harry Potter, but it will make you glad you don't have to take Philosophy 101 again (or for the first time).
The essay "Magic, Science, and the Ethics of Technology" is an exception to the overall quality of the book. This is an outstanding essay, that focuses on magic in the HP books and its relationship to science and technology. The authors have thought out the issues very clearly, and this essay does shed significant light on the HP books. In brief, magic is seen as a proto-science, roughly comparable to the field of 'Natural Philosophy' as was studied in Europe just before the dawn of the scientific age. Magic has natural laws that are followed, and the students at Hogwarts have to learn these laws. It's not just waving a wand and having any desire 'magically' brought about. And they also have to learn the ethical principles involved in using magic. A brilliant, wonderful essay here.
The good essay is "Feminism and Equal Opportunity: Hermione and the Women of Hogwarts". In brief, this essay discusses how the Wizarding world is one in which there is pretty much full equality between the sexes, and everyone in the books just assumes it. As but one example, several of the players on the Irish Quidditch World Cup team are women, but this is only mentioned in passing, since it's no big deal that women are on the same world championship team with men.
The rest of the essays are a complete waste of time. They are nothing but empty philosophical concepts, basically empty words chasing other empty words in circles. (In the philosophical debate on whether ethics and metaphysics are worth studying or are the results of linguistic errors, I come down on the side of the Ordinary Language Philosophers like Wittgenstein.) As examples, taking several pages to discuss the real-world possibility of apparating as traveling through 'real' worm-holes, and discussing the paradoxes of time travel misses the point of Harry Potter.
If you want to know more about HP, read 'Unlocking Harry Potter' by John Granger.
Without the essay on Magic and Science, I would have given the book a 1. But I don't think one excellent essay out of 16 can raise the rating to a 3. So I'll leave it at 2.
A Good Excuse to Enjoy Harry Potter as an Adult.......2007-06-05
I very much enjoyed reading "Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts". As one who reads the Potter books mostly for the escapism, it was interesting to have the help of professional philosophers help me delve into the deeper meanings contained in the books. This book also helped me to appreciate JKR's talent even more. I believe she must have more than a cursery knowledge of philosophy herself. My favorite essays were "Feminism and Equal Opportunity:Herminone and the Women of Hogwarts", "Heaven, Hell and Harry Potter" "Magic,Muggles and Moral Imagination" and "The Prophecy-Driven Life: Foreknowledge and Freedom at Hogwarts" All of the essays had at least one "ah HA" moment where the brain went into high gear and really started purring. The essay "Space, Time and Magic" caused the usual brain cramp that all time travel conundrums do and I enjoyed it as much as I always enjoy such discussions with the addition that new concepts were introduced of which I had previously been unaware. I was not aquainted with the terms "tensed" and "tenseless" time. This book is probably not for the expert philosopher as these concepts will be basics but for someone of my experience (almost none) studying philosophy,it was a great read. Just like a good movie, don't leave before the credits are done; the bios at the end are amusing.
Common Sense Revealed.......2007-01-18
To begin with, the subtitle should read:
If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts he wouldn't change a thing.
These Philosophers praise J.K. Rowlings for her character development of both the good and bad people in the books. They recognise, describe and praise her treatment of them and find her ideas mirrored in other philosphers. It's a fun read most of the time but to me the praise of that most uncommon of all qualities 'Common Sense' found in Rowlings was a pleasure.
Interesting perspective.......2006-08-19
I read this book not expecting any great new philosophies or insights into old ones. I was pleasantly surprised. As a person that has read many of the older philosophical texts, I know how hard it is to sometimes understand the reasonings and logic presented. I think this book presents its ideas in a very clear way that even the youngest audiences of Harry Potter would be able to have a good introduction to philosophical thought.
Entertaining enlightenment.......2006-01-12
As a Harry Potter fan, I pick up almost anything with Harry in the title. Often, I put it back down after a cursory glance. Not this time!
This book is a collection of essays on philosophical questions raised in the Harry Potter series. It would be a good adjunct for anyone taking a college level philosophy course, to see a practical application of using philosophy to aid in understanding literature - or the use of literature to understand philosophy!
Book Description
Millions of children, even Christian children, are reading the mega-selling Harry Potter book series and are exposed to the Harry Potter movies. John Granger, a devout Christian, teacher of classic literature, and father of seven children, first read the Harry Potter books so he could explain to his children why they weren't allowed to read them. After intense study, however, he became convinced that the books are underestimated as literature--and reflect important Christian truths. In Looking for God in Harry Potter, Granger gives parents and teachers a roadmap for using the Harry Potter books to teach Christian truth to children.
Customer Reviews:
what a load of christian rubbish.......2007-09-21
naturally some dolt christian fundamentalist puke has to ruin the sanctity of even the Harry Potter novels. Can't you ignorant, one route minded, intolerant and (hell-bent on establishing a fundamentalist theocracy), hypocrite christians keep your hands off anything. Much misinformation, and some totally off the mark, stretched out nonsense, not to mention the complete misguided prose of his comparison with other novels. While the book is thoroughly researched, was it even necessary? Just something else to print out from acerebral minds with nothing else better to do with their time. Jesus, save me from your followers.
Taking Harry Potter Seriously.......2007-07-31
A member of the New York C.S. Lewis Society at a meeting several years ago had copies of Mr. Granger's first book "The Hidden Key to Harry Potter" for sale. I had at that time just completed reading books 1-5. Somehow, I knew there was a reason for my enjoyment of the books, and Mr. Granger's book helped me to intellectualize why I liked the books so much.
I emailed Mr. Granger, and he very graciously mailed me a copy of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." This was a special book, and it gave me ammunition to ward off critics of the book that dismissed it because it was felt to introduce "sorcery and the occult" to the young (I'm a school teacher).
Mr. Granger is eminently qualified to write the book. He studied classics at the University of Chicago (like J.K. Rowling), and has a deep understanding of literary symbolism. After reading his book I understood better and was moved by the symbolism in the stories - Patronuses, for instance.. Mr. Granger helped me to see that there is deeper meaning beneath the surface, and more importantly that Ms. Rowlings wrote with intention.
I'm rereading the Deathly Gallows now, and will probably reread "Looking for God in Harry Potter." So many people dismiss J.K. Rowling for her commercial success. I believe that there is more to the stories and that it possesses literary merit. Mr. Granger helped me to understand better why I like the Harry Potter books so much.
Well done, but not for everyone!.......2007-05-07
I'm about 2/3rd through "Looking for God in Harry Potter," and wanted to give a report back. It was suggested to me as a possible fun way to introduce tweens and teens to literary critisism.
Pros -
Granger really loves the HP material, and it shines through in his writing. It's so great to see a grown up that is enthusiastic, particularly about something that has been earmarked "for children."
Style is clear and entertaining. (Actually this will be a con for some as some will feel condescended to.) I would certainly use any Spark notes written by this writer!
Lots of Narnia references if one is a C.S. Lewis fan.
This book is filled with interesting nuggets of information that clearly support a single argument. I would share this with my child as an example of how a well written paper should have lots of interesting information that supports a central thesis.
I have no doubt that I will enjoy the next HP book more based on the new information I have learned from this book. I will also be looking to the next book to see if it confirms or denies the writer's theories, which will be fun.
The writer, John Granger, was able to make a 2nd career of sorts by sharing an unexpected insight that goes against the "common wisdom." He refers to his speaking engagements at schools and online. I am always gladdened by this kind of story.
As a reader from a very different backround and faith, it has given me a boost in understanding more about the outlook of the writer, who says of himself: "I am what reporters without fail call a "traditional Christian."" I don't plan to judge any group of people by one person, but I expect to find this useful in the future to help know what questions to ask.
Con -
Well, I was certainly offended from time to time. The claims to universalism are apparently a key to this individual's faith. This didn't interfere with my overall enjoyment of the book, but I would think twice about just leaving it in my child's hands. I was able to read excerpts aloud and get enjoyable family discussions going.
Expert from the Introduction -
"My thesis is essentially this: As images of God designed for life in Christ, all humans naturally resonate with stories that reflect the greatest story ever told- the story of God who became man. The Harry Potter novels, the best-selling books in publishing history, touch our hearts because they contain themes, imagery, and engaging stories that echo the Great Story we are wired to receive and respond to. Looking for God in Harry Potter is a step-by-step walk through these images, themes and stories to reveal the core of the Harry Potter books and why they are so popular: They address the need (really an innate need akin to our need for the physical nourishment) that we have for spiritual nourishment in the forms of edifying, imaginative experience of life in Christ."
Interesting at least.......2007-03-29
It is interesting at least since it expands on the classical sources Lady JKR uses as noted by another classicist. So if the reader is not familiar with a plethora of symbolic referrences -- here they are. This also reads better I think then some other books that discuss or list the same sorts of things. But there are points that seem exaggerated -- such as Harry Potter in Lady JKR's accent would give us "heir (of the) Pater" to emphasize the Christ-like association. This seems a real stretch. But nonetheless it was an interesting suggestion as were many others.
This is a thoughtful book that helps bring up questions associating the success of the book series with significant elements of historical narration that seem requirements in good story telling.
A great read for HP fans or skeptics.......2006-09-09
Granger indepthly explores the themes of the first 6 books and gives a great explanation of the alchemy and symbols found inside. He is truly a fan, so he speaks with enthusiasm and passion. I disagreed with minor points he made, mainly about some of his predictions for the final book and a few conclusions he drew from the first 6 books. But all Harry Potter fans know that this is inevitable and rather minor. For example, I do not believe that Dumbledore agreed to watch over Harry because he and Harry's father, James, were especially close. But, as any reader knows, this is a very minor difference in terms of the amazing story of Harry Potter. Overall, Granger's book was well worth buying and reading. It is packed full of intelligent information that will cause readers to appreciate the depth inside Harry Potter. Any parent concerned over whether or not their child should read Harry Potter need to get this book, though it's not solely for the unsure. It's also for fans who want to dig deeper and for those who want to reconcile their faith with their love for Harry Potter.
Average customer rating:
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A Closer Look at Harry Potter
John Houghton
Manufacturer: Kingsway Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 20th Century
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ASIN: 0854769412 |
Book Description
J.k. Rowling's Harry Potter series is uncontested as the greatest children's book phenomenon of all time. To date, the first four out of the projected series of seven have broken all sales records. More volumes are to come, plus Harry Potter school projects, a major film, games, merchandise, TV shows, websites - this is big business on a global scale and it can't be ignored.
Yet, while the world applauds, Christians are divided, and many are calling for the books to be banned from state schools and public libraries. These are, after all, books about witchcraft.
John Houghton is himself a writer of fantasy for children. In this book he offers an alternative to the secular wisdom on the conflict between good and evil. His considered critique offers timely and valuable insight for parents, teachers and all those involved in children's ministry.
This book is a must for all those who want to encourage a culturally literate, wise and godly generation who know how to have fun without regrets.
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A Parents Guide to Harry Potter
Gina Burkhart
Manufacturer: Hovel Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
Fiction
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Youth Ministry
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ASIN: 1596443324 |
Book Description
Harry Potter has captivated the imagination of millions of children. And Harry Potter has caused controversy in churches and schools. What's a parent to do with the magical, mystical world of Harry and his friends? Gina Burkart chose to read the books with her own children. As they read together, she discovered many parallels between Christian faith and the themes of these books. Indeed, the escapades of Harry Potter sparked significant conversation between Burkart and her kids. In this helpful, entertaining guide, Burkart shows how Harry Potter fits into the tradition of fairy tale writing and how this type of literature aids in building a moral framework. She highlights specific situations and emotions from Harry's world that children face in their own life, such as fear, anger, bullies, diversity and the choice of good over evil. Instead of magic words or easy answers, Burkart offers solid, practical advice for helping parents and children navigate Harry Potter's world--and our own--together.
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The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter
Geo Trevarthen
Manufacturer: O Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| Literature
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Paperback
| Harry Potter Books
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ASIN: 1846940931 |
Book Description
The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter offers 'seekers' of all kinds profound and fascinating insights into the narrative themes, symbols and mythic elements encountered in the Harry Potter books. Drawing from diverse spiritual and scholarly sources, it is an open-minded guide to the rich layers of meaning and symbolism we encounter in all seven of the novels.The Seeker's Guide doesn't try to 'read' J.K. Rowling's mind about the symbolism she may or may not have meant to put in the books, but to read the symbols as they appear, with some of the layers of meaning that they have traditionally held. Drawing from anthropology, theology, psychology and the history of the human experience of the Sacred, The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter offers fans of any or no spiritual faith a deeper sense of magic and meaning in the novels and in their own lives.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Presbyterian Record, published by Presbyterian Record on October 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1128 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: A fantastic look into a deep reality: book's spiritual awareness encourages readers to see everyday behaviour in terms of its moral trajectory.(Book Review)
Author: Alex MacLeod
Publication:
Presbyterian Record (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2003
Publisher: Presbyterian Record
Volume: 127
Issue: 9
Page: 40(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Forbidden Forest, enchanted castle: Arthurian spaces in the Harry Potter novels.(essay)(Critical essay) : An article from: Mythlore
Alessandra Petrina
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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Arthurian Romance
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ASIN: B000FVHLPG
Release Date: 2006-05-27 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Mythlore, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 6236 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Forbidden Forest, enchanted castle: Arthurian spaces in the Harry Potter novels.(essay)(Critical essay)
Author: Alessandra Petrina
Publication:
Mythlore (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 24
Issue: 3-4
Page: 95(16)
Article Type: Critical essay
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Christianity and Literature, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2007. The length of the article is 1879 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: From Homer to Harry Potter: A Handbook on Myth and Fantasy.(Book review)
Author: Gregory Hartley
Publication:
Christianity and Literature (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 56
Issue: 4
Page: 709(4)
Article Type: Book review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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