Ravenclaw Reader: The St Andrews University Harry Potter Conference

by John Patrick Pazdziora (Editor), Micah Snell (Editor), Amy H. Sturgis

In Ravenclaw Reader, an international gathering of scholars debate the literary merits and demerits of the Harry Potter series. Each chapter is conversation, with the main argument followed by a reply from another critic. Representing a wide range of critical and cultural voices, the discussion includes questions about the portrayal of education in the book, the role of Snape, the landscape around Hogwarts, the structure of the series, the Wizarding World as dystopia, the problem of the Dursleys, and the canonization of Neville Longbottom.

Perceptive, incisive, and thought-provoking, this in-depth conversation will engage fans, students, and academics alike. Ravenclaw Reader sets a new standard for Harry Potter criticism. Developed from the historic St Andrews University Harry Potter Conference, Ravenclaw Reader features contributions by Jessica Tiffin, John Granger, Amy H. Sturgis, Maria Nilson, Vinita Chandra, Joel Hunter, Travis Prinzi, Gabrielle Ceraldi, Joshua Richards, Amy Sonheim, and more.

Genres: Harry Potter, Nonfiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2015

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book when Mugglenet Academia still existed. *Pause for sympathy*

There's a good variety, some a bit more daunting in their academic work (the one on folklore!) then others, but all interesting. There's an incredible section on "further reading" also at the end, that can be accessed through a website BUT STILL COOL! The podcast did a preview on some of the papers, and I remember one being about Snape as a father-figure. Otherwise, I can't say any of this is MIND-BLOWING and what is - John Granger's work - is explored elsewhere in his books.

I hope one day to deliver my own paper *wistful sigh*

[Legens · Rating 3 out of 5]

As collections of essays go, the individual contributions vary greatly. Some of them seem to be mostly jargon (say, Siddarth Pandey's essay on the "fluid force of magic"), others are sharp and incisive (Rebecca Langworthy's piece on magical intrusions into Muggle life). Overall, I'd have wished for a richer connection between the literature and our society, history, and philosophy instead of the strictly literary studies based approach of most essays (some of them bordering on interpretation intrinsic to the works in a New Criticism style). But that's more based on my expectations than on what could rightfully be expected from literary studies scholars. Speaking of them - sadly, the volume lacks a page with short biographies of the contributors (education, current occupation).

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating scholarly approach with some great insights into themes such as death and Christianity in the series.

[Lady Brainsample]

Some of this was definitely over my head, but it had some great insights, and I overall enjoyed reading it.