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The Lexicon
An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials

by Steve Vander Ark

     

A lengthy disclaimer on the front and back cover of the book immediately lets readers know that J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment had nothing to do with the publication of this book.  In fact, they tried to stop it. Due to a successful copyright infringement suit filed by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling in 2007, Vander Ark rewrote the book, changed the focus, and added extra material not included on his Harry Potter Lexicon website in order to comply with the judge's decision.

The wizarding world and its fans can be glad both sides got things worked out.  The Lexicon provides an excellent index regarding all things Harry Potter, with painstaking research and close attention to detail.  Additional researchers John Kearns, Lisa Waite Bunker, and Belinda Hobbs helped Vander Ark compile a wealth of information for this encyclopedia.  Vander Ark, a noted authority who tours the world speaking about Harry Potter and single-handedly started his own website on the subject in 2000, also wrote In Search of Harry Potter, a book in which he toured all over London looking for locations (or places that, perhaps, served as inspiration for sites) mentioned in the Harry Potter books.

The Lexicon has more than 2,000 references for people, places, and things, including characters conceived for the series, but not used in the final books. It packs 347 pages with broad concepts and minor details about those wonderful wizards from Hogwarts and their associated muggles.  Vander Ark seems especially good at identifying lesser-known characters, such as his listing for "Derrick."  The listing includes his approximate year of birth (1977), when he entered Hogwarts (1988) and where he was sorted (Slytherin), plus additional items worth noting (Quidditch Beater).  The listing also offers sources for more information on each subject such as books, magazine articles, and recorded interviews.

The book provides a delightful read for all Harry Potter fans.  It’s interesting to test your knowledge by randomly flipping through pages or by sorting through letters of the alphabet.  It’s also a handy reference tool for settling arguments or answering questions regarding characters.

The Book

RDR Books
January 16, 2009
Softcover
978-1-57143-174-5
YA and Adult Miscellaneous Nonfiction / Literary Reference / Criticism
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Holidays: Halloween and Christmas are included in the listings

The Reviewer

Leslie Halpern
Reviewed 2009
NOTE: Reviewer Leslie Halpern is the author of Reel Romance: The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies, Dreams on Film, A Writer's Guide to Fearless Interviews, and the co-author of Connections: A Collection of Poems. Coming Soon: Passionate About Their Work: Celebrities, Artists, and Experts Discuss Creativity.
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