World Famous Comics: Muggles and Magic: An Unofficial Guide to J.k. Rowling and the Harry Potter Phenomenon
Muggles and Magic: An Unofficial Guide to J.k. Rowling and the Harry Potter Phenomenon
By: George W. Beahm Publisher: Hampton Roads Pub Co Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Hampton Roads Pub Co Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 377 Publication Date: April 11, 2007 Reading Level: Young Adult
Product Description: With more than 50,000 copies of the first two editions in print, the popular Muggles and Magic has been substantially revised and updated to feature more exciting, up-to-the-minute information, including a photo essay on the famous Harry Potter-themed retail store, Whimsic Alley; a first-hand account of J.K. Rowling's celebrated August 2006 book reading in New York (with full-color photos); a new section on Harry Potter fans, with an article written by Steve Van Ark, webmaster of the Harry Potter Lexicon and popular speaker at Harry Potter conventions. Edward Kern, author of The Wisdom of Harry Potter (Prometheus Books, 2003) contributes the new introduction. Including this third edition of Muggles and Magic, George Beahm has written more than twenty books, including Passport to Narnia (Hampton Roads, 2005, ISBN 1-57174-465-7) and Fact, Fiction, and Folklore in Harry Potter's World (Hampton Roads, 2005, ISBN 1-57174-440-1
Muggles and Magic I bought the book very interested in reading how the"Harry Potter" phenomenon got going. There were a few chapters that were very interesting, but some were down right boring. For example: "advise for a budding writer or H.P websites. I didn't care much for the list of "other" authors either Interesting reading was about J.K "Rowlling" and the back round of the book. I liked reading about the events that have gone on concerning the contests and book readings of the author. On the whole I was disappointed... too much "other" boring stuff
A great and easy read! I very much enjoyed this third edition of 'Muggles and Magic', and it's great to have a new, up to date issue! I disagree with reviewers who have written, 'This material is all available elsewhere'; that may be the case, but why spend hours searching for it in other volumes, websites or magazines (who has time for that??) when it's all been gathered together for you here? Mr Beahm has taken the time to compile an extensive volume which gives many interesting insights into the world of HP, the thoughts of J K Rowling and even the HP fan base and their activities! If you want a manual which covers all topics related to HP - books, collectibles et al - then this is the book for you! Kirk's illustrations are wonderful and they, together with some great photos, bring extra entertainment to the pages.
Interesting HP Resource I'll admit that I initially bought the book because I'd heard the fan trips were highlighted in it. And when I received the book, was delighted and tickled to find a group photo that I'm in (and it's clear enough to see everyone) was in the book! How cool is that? (Though it's too bad one of my friends got cut out due to poor cropping...and the 2005 group shot was in with the 2004 trip...but we let George know that after meeting him. :) He's very nice.)
The book is interesting in its own right but at times is a little hard to follow. It doesn't seem to be in any particular order.
Having said that, I'm still glad I got the book.
I've also had the pleasure of listening to George Beahm (and illustrator Tim Kirk) speak and they both signed my book. They are both incredibly interesting to listen to, and even if you don't favour this book, give the others by George Beahm a go.
No such edition exists. I am the author and this edition doesn't exist -- it never has. At one point, there was a plan to issue a run in hardback for libraries, but that plan was never put into effect. So don't go looking for a hardback edition of this book through used booksellers because you'd be searching in vain.
PS: Amazon.com's policies require that the author "review" his book by giving it from 1 to 5 stars. I believe the author should have his say about his own book on Amazon, but there should be an option to write about it without having to give it a ranking. It has nothing to do with being a "curious bit of self-promotion" (as one reader put it) because there's nothing curious about it, and it's bad self-promotion besides. Amazon is forcing the issue and what can any author do except give himself the benefit of the doubt?
That said, if an author does write a book, he usually feels (as I do) that he's given it his best effort and, at least, in his mind it should rate pretty high on the scale. As to what you can believe on an Amazon review, I have always felt a professionally written review (from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY or LIBRARY JOURNAL) is always fair and impartial, and usually consistent, whereas fan "reviews" (in fact, opinions) vary wildly and are therefore suspect.
Great resource book! I like this book a lot, and I am dis-heartened to read all the unfavorable reviews about it. it's a great general resource book on the Harry Potter phenomenon.
I like having all this information at my finger tips in book form. The book is divided into clear concise sections, and has a wealth of information within each of them.
I especially like the merchandise section. I like to know what products are out there. there is even a web-site guide so you know where to go to find all the latest news at the biggest and best HP sites around.
what this book is not is a theory book. it doesn't delve into what things might mean in the books or films, it sticks simply with the facts of the Harry Potter fandom.
there is a ton of information and trivia about JK Rowling herself, along with a lot of great quotes and pictures. as well as photos of some of the big Harry Potter events around the world.
I find it a great resource to have around, and a lasting tribute to the Harry Potter Phenomenon.
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