The Hidden Key to Harry Potter: Understanding the Meaning, Genius and Popularity of Joanne Rowling's Harry Potter Novels [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Granger takes the Harry Potter books seriously as literature, and the depth of analysis is remarkable. However it is done with such enthusiasm and humour that it is also a very enjoyable read.

I'd always suspected that there was more to these books than met the eye, and Hidden Key puts the complex weave of plot, symbolism and allusion under the microscope to reveal its intricate structure. As well as a detailed analysis of the four books so far published there is also some intriguing speculation about where the next three might go.

This book gives us the chance to be informed about and involved in a remarkable literary event as it unfolds, don't miss the opportunity!

The HKHP is something of a tour-de-force as it explores the symbolism of the four novels in some detail, considers what that means for the Harry Potter series and even dares to make some bold predictions about what will come in the last three books! My anticipation of OOP and the remaining two Potter books has been heightened by wanting to know how close Granger has come.

Based on a series of four lectures the author gives, the book allows Granger's delightful humour to show through and although there is much detail about literature, symbolism and alchemy - the erudition is worn lightly and draws the reader into wanting to know more. Granger's thesis that we should take a 'high road' approach to Rowling's work and that she is in the Inkling tradition of Lewis and Tolkien, is virtually a lone voice in the critical world; too many see the books as "just" children's books.

Also of interest is his survey of other books about Harry Potter attached as one of the four appendices.

For those who want to take Harry Potter seriously, I can't recommend this book enough. But be prepared for surprises.

tc

I consider myself a decent reader but, to be honest, it's amazing how much I missed in Rowling's books that John Granger has captured in great detail. From the themes in each of the four books to the hidden meaning of most of the character's names--the detail and analysis will astound you if you are a Potter fan. Plus the predictions for the future direction of the story provide great fodder for musing and discussion. I've looked at a few of the other guides out there but they really don't compare. If you'd like to see a serious treatment of Rowling's world as literature--and benefit from the experience--this is your book. If you are a Christian reader, you'll appreciate this guide even more--although the prime criteria needed to enjoy it is being a dedicated Potter fan or the parent of one! Actually, that leads me to my only disclaimer. This book is not written for the 8 year old Harry Potter fanatic. It is probably best suited to good teen readers and adults. But I do think the 8 year old fanatic's parents should buy it so they and their child will get the most from the magical world of Hogwarts.