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The Phoenix or the Flame: Essays on J.K. Rowling's original plans for The Order of the Phoenix
Before writing the fifth Harry Potter book, J.K. Rowling created a seven-page handwritten outline of her original vision for the plot, offering an unprecedented glimpse into her writing process. In these early notes, there are noticeable differences in the characters, terminology, and plot, culminating with a different ending, in which Sirius's fate is not brought about by Bellatrix.
Three of the essays in this collection focus on the ramifications of specific changes, such as the outline's original much darker tone, the lack of Bellatrix Lestrange, or the different designation for the Order of the Phoenix. Another takes a more holistic view, looking at the changes in the book's characters. Two essays use the outline to highlight the development that must have happened both before and after it was written. The final essay looks at how outline could be interpreted had one never seen the published book.
Together the essays explore the manuscript in detail, offering a new perspective on Rowling's creative process and deepening our understanding of the published book. This collection also includes detailed guidance to help fans interpret the outline themselves.
Essays by Louise M. Freeman, Alice Arganese, Irvin Khaytman, Asher Scheiner, Beatrice Groves, John Granger and Patricio Tarantino. Edited by A. Ibid.
Three of the essays in this collection focus on the ramifications of specific changes, such as the outline's original much darker tone, the lack of Bellatrix Lestrange, or the different designation for the Order of the Phoenix. Another takes a more holistic view, looking at the changes in the book's characters. Two essays use the outline to highlight the development that must have happened both before and after it was written. The final essay looks at how outline could be interpreted had one never seen the published book.
Together the essays explore the manuscript in detail, offering a new perspective on Rowling's creative process and deepening our understanding of the published book. This collection also includes detailed guidance to help fans interpret the outline themselves.
Essays by Louise M. Freeman, Alice Arganese, Irvin Khaytman, Asher Scheiner, Beatrice Groves, John Granger and Patricio Tarantino. Edited by A. Ibid.
216 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 9, 2025
An enjoyable collection of analysis that brings new insights for Potter into JKR’s thoughts and process into Book 5. Order of the Phoenix isn’t one of my favorites entries in the series, so it was nice to revisit it in such a critical way.
May 12, 2025
Note: I am the cover artist for this book and was gifted a copy. I was not asked to read or review the book, I did so of my own volition.
I really loved reading through each of these essays. I'm fascinated by 'what ifs' in stories, and how seemingly small changes can make big differences. This was a nice way to explore the possibilities based on the original outline. I would honestly love to dive in like this with each of the books.
I really loved reading through each of these essays. I'm fascinated by 'what ifs' in stories, and how seemingly small changes can make big differences. This was a nice way to explore the possibilities based on the original outline. I would honestly love to dive in like this with each of the books.
April 7, 2025
One of the best essays on Harry Potter. I recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews