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.