When Harry Potter first boards the Hogwarts Express, he journeys to a world which Rowling says has alchemy as its "internal logic." The Philosopher's Stone, known for its power to transform base metals into gold and to give immortality to its maker, is the subject of the conflict between Harry and Voldemort in the first book of the series. But alchemy is not about money or eternal life, it is much more about the transformations of desire, of power and of people--through love. Harry's equally remarkable and ordinary power to love leads to his desire to find but not use the Philosopher's Stone at the start of the series and his wish to end the destructive power of the Elder Wand at the end. This collection of essays on alchemical symbolism and transformations in Rowling's series demonstrates how Harry's work with magical objects, people, and creatures transfigure desire, power, and identity. As Harry's leaden existence on Privet Drive is transformed in the company of his friends and teachers, the Harry Potter novels have transformed millions of readers, inspiring us to find the gold in our ordinary lives.

Granger, a devout Christian, literature teacher and father of seven home-schooled children, gives parents and teachers a roadmap for using the Harry Potter books to teach children Christian truth.

“If anyone can divine the contents of The Lost Symbol, it’s Dan Burstein.” —New York magazine With Secrets of the Lost Symbol, co-authors Dan Burstein and Arne de Keijzer delve into the real history, science, and hidden meanings behind Dan Brown’s latest blockbuster novel, The Lost Symbol. As they have done previously with their extraordinary New York Times bestsellers Secrets of the Code and Secrets of Angels & Demons, Burstein and de Keijzer explore the themes, conspiracies, mythologies, codes, encrypted signs, and alternate histories—from the birth of Knights Templar to the present day—popularized by the acclaimed creator of The Da Vinci Code, giving them fresh and fascinating relevance while separating truth from fantasy.

THE #1 BESTSELLER Introducing the explosive first Ben Hope adventure 'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ STEVE BERRY

This is a controversial study of the life of one of the most charismatic and neglected late medieval kings. It reveals that Edward was just as complicated as his younger brother Richard III.

This unofficial guide to the popular series by J.K. Rowling is an ideal companion work for the curious reader who wants to know more about these remarkable books. Extensive new commentary, which does not appear on Vander Ark's Harry Potter Lexicon website (www.hp-lexicon.org) adds to the fun of reading Vander Ark's new reference work. This book offers fascinating analysis, new insights and a deep appreciation of Rowling's work.

This title addresses the educational experiences of women from the fourth to the 21st century in Europe and the Americas.