Rating: 
Summary: Don't Waste your money!
Review: This book was terrible. It reads like an 8th grade book report, it is that predictible and structured (and dull). The author quotes whole passages from the Harry Potter books, without any analysis, and then will lurch into a historical discussion of the subject matter. However, after that, there isn't much connection between the two parts. I've read the Harry Potter books about six or seven times, and this book does nothing to inspire one to read them. The most interesting tidbits are the ones on the sides of the pages, which erudite readers are bound to know anyways. I have several companion books which are much better than this one - so don't waste you money on it. (...)
Rating: 
Summary: Great reference, great reading
Review: I was surprised that this book was a really great reference and a great reading book at the same time. It's fun and playful, like the Potter books are, with facts that interested both me and my daughter. Each chapter asks an interesting question (e.g., "Why would Durmstrang Students Travel by Ship?") and then answers it. The information is concrete - - not conjecture or the author's subjective opinion. Also, I'm a real fan of good reference books, and this book arranges the chapters alphabetically by subject, with margin tabs. So it's actually user-friendly, if you're interested in particular subjects. One side benefit I didn't expect: because it mentions a lot of the myths and works of literature that Rowling uses, my daughter is now reading those books while she waits for Rowling's next.
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!!
Review: I really like Harry Potter(I'm obsessed with the books) and this book is very interesting and informative. Almost everything you would want to know about the 4 books. This book is pretty good for all ages.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: This is a great companion volume. As the cover says, it presents the stories behind JK Rowling's stories - - the legends and myths from which she draws specific characters and creatures and themes. It's all in short chapters like the samples displayed on the Amazon page. It is very respectful to JK Rowling, and doesn't try to get inside her head. But you can still tell what she had in mind, a lot of which is pretty humorous. As an adult fan of the Potter books, I enjoyed it greatly; I'd recommend it to younger fans, too, because the facts are interesting and are mixed with "a spoonful of sugar".
Rating: 
Summary: This is a MEDIUM book
Review: The book The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter is a intelectual look to the backround of Harry Potter. I am 14 years old and i as a youth did not enjoy this book as much as I know someone who is an adult or parent would. If your child is reading the novels I would suggest it to you so you can better help him/her understand the backround of this magical place. This book helps brouden the ideas and the amount of knowledge this child will want to know. I hope this will help kids in the way that they way want to research what they learn from this book and spread thier knowledge beyond what they see on tv and read in books. It will explain alot and hopefully help you and your child. Thank you
Rating:
Summary: Smart, entertaining
Review: An intelligent book that was actually fun. Recommended for any Potter fan.
Rating:
Summary: This Book's A Winner--Read It!
Review: You've got to read this book to fully appreciate the Harry Potter books. While I see a few malcontents may differ (there are some people you can't please no matter what you do!) every Potter fan I've talked to agrees that this is a must-have for your Potter collection. Well-written, thorough, fascinating information and not only satisfying, but an encouragement to read more. Definitely a keeper! My deep thanks to Colbert for writing it. Good job!
Rating:
Summary: Do not get this book!
Review: This book is not as good as it seems.You might not see it,but on the cover it says,Not approved by J.K.Rowling.This book is full of information,but none interesting.Do not,I repeat,DO NOT GET THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Great reference tool
Review: As a small town librarian on a tight budget, I have found this book to be a wonderful reference tool. Children and adults in our library have used it as a jumping off point to further research in mythology, history, and literature. Mr. Colbert's work is well documented (we librarians love that!) and clearly written. Check it out!
Rating:
Summary: Proof that Rowling is one exceptionally intelligent lady
Review: First of all, DON'T READ THIS BOOK UNTIL YOU'VE FINISHED ALL FOUR HARRY POTTER BOOKS! I was surprised there wasn't a warning that the book contains "spoilers". Before reading Colbert's book, I was in awe of Rowling's mastery of storytelling and truly impressed by her craftsmanship. Now, after reading Colbert, I am... well, I don't even think there's a word to describe how magnificently astonished I am. It boils down to this: I thought I was clever. I saw a lot of references to mythology, Latin, etc. I DIDN'T EVEN CATCH A TENTH OF THE REFERENCES. The fact that they are so seamlessly hidden is striking proof of great writing. Colbert is one of those people who reads too much and is much too smart for his own good. In other words, I envy him terribly! Here he has compiled a fascinating collection of historical & mythological tidbits into a very easy-to-read, easy-to-comprehend book. Interesting to adults, understandable for kids. On the downside, this means he only teases the reader with enough knowledge to make them want to go out and research some more. Some may find this annoying, but I think that was the point--to inspire young and old alike to do a bit of research. I think Rowling would probably prefer it this way.
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