The Complete Idiot S Guide To The World Of Harry Potter

You're no idiot. You know the wildly popular Harry Potter series has captivated readers of all ages from the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stoneon. But did you recognize all the subtle references Rowling uses in her characters' names or in the magical creatures we encounter and places we explore in Harry's wonderful world of wizardry? The truth is, the world of Harry Potter is incredibly textured and complex and not only has factual roots in history, mythology, science, and folklore, but also draws on all genres of literature, from C. S. Lewis to the Bible. You'll learn this and much more in the fun facts and tantalizing trivia provided in this fabulous new addition to the Complete Idiot's Guide series! This is not a retelling of Rowling's stories, nor is it intended to be a cheat sheet to the novels, a la the Cliffs Notes series. Instead, it is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels.

A guide to the people, places, creatures, and events contained within all seven "Harry Potter" novels also describes what life is like for students at Hogwart's, explains wizarding and British terminology, and explores the historical and mythological roots of the novels.

Everything you want to know about Narnia ... This fun-to-read reference guide goes through each book in Lewis's bestselling fantasy series, examining characters and events for literary and religious comparison. Includes: explanations of how Lewis's life experiences influenced the Chronicles; examples of Lewis's rich use of symbolism and allegory; a breakdown of characters and events; well-researched parallels between the world of Narnia and Christianity, and more.

The dictionary defines mythology as a collection of ancient tales handed down over millennia, mainly dealing with gods and goddesses, that explains the way the world works, from natural events to society at large. Many people think of the deities of Greece and Rome when they think of mythology, forgetting that almost every culture has its own set of myths to interpret and explain its distinct worldview, often showing striking and fascinating similarities to the classical myths most people are familiar with. The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Mythologyexplores the gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, monsters and angels of the myths from every corner of the globe - the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, Asia, and more. Additionally, it explores the parallels between every culture, including Greece and Rome - striking similarities in mythic figures and the structure, action, wording, and result of the stories themselves.

Here is the comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for the ever-expanding and always exciting children’s market—now in a new and updated third edition. • Includes new chapters on self-publishing and on "how to choose a how-to," plus revision and updates throughout • Offers practical advice on getting started--and on dealing with out-of-print books • Covers picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, middle-grade and young novels, and common formats and genres • Reveals what happens inside a children's publishing company, and provides guidance in working with an editor • Sample cover and query letters, manuscript format, glossary, and recommended resources in an extensive appendix • Plus information on agents, contracts, copyright, marketing, and more “Honest and precise… everything about writing for children there is to know.” —Jane Yolen, author

A boost of energy for your customers (and your sales) Exhaustion is rampant nowadays—for both medical and lifestyle reasons. In this helpful guide, a healthcare professional and scientific researcher explains the common causes of fatigue, both physical and emotional—and the most effective ways to prevent and combat it. Readers will be able to recognize the warning signs of systemic fatigue; figure out when medical treatment is required; learn lifestyle solutions; discover alternative therapies; and consult a resource section for even more information. • Expert author brings an integrated approach—both traditional and alternative—to the prevention and treatment of fatigue • Can be used by the millions of people suffering from such conditions as fibromyalgia

Did you know that one of the best-selling poets in the U.S. today is a Persian mystic who lived in the thirteenth century? Mawlana Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, known in the West simply as Rumi, was born in 1207, a Sufi theologian and poet whose words spoke of love, unity with God, and spiritual growth. Rumi and his followers believed in employing music, poetry, and dance to become closer to God, and their sema is dancing prayer practiced by them. We know them best as the Whirling Dervishes. Although hundreds of years have passed since Rumi's life and death, his poetry continues to appeal to readers the world over, who remain open to the miraculous power of love. In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rumi Meditations, Yahiya Emerick, the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, brings the unique practice of moving meditation to American readers of today. More than 40 meditations based on Rumi's poems will leave them drunk with the divine love Rumi continues to inspire.

Ever wonder why the sky is blue or why most plants happen to be green? Or why stomach acid doesn't dissolve your stomach, or why there are more tornados in the Midwest than along either coast? The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Science of Everythinganswers these questions and many, many more, shedding light on the science behind more than 200 intriguing questions, educating readers on the fundamentals of science in the process. In a book that is as informative as it is entertaining, readers learn about every major branch of science, including- Physics (Why do figure skaters spin faster when they pull their arms in?) Chemistry (How does salt melt ice?) Biology (How does a chameleon change its colour?) Geology (Why do so many earthquakes occur along the Pacific coast?) Meteorology (Why does the jet stream flow from west to east in North America?) Astronomy (What causes Jupiter's big red spot?) Cosmology (Do black holes really exist and can anything escape them?) In addition, the book highlights some of the really big ideas that helped shape science as we know it today, and discusses the future of science with cutting edge topics such as nanotechnology, genetic modification, molecular medicine, and string theory.