Inside the world of Harry Potter : critical essays on the books and films

Scholars all over the world recognize the importance of Harry Potter as a vehicle for discussions about society, from race relations and gender studies to economic, political, religious, and educational implications for and applications of the texts. This new, interdisciplinary collection of essays from one of the world's leading Harry Potter scholars brings to the forefront a deep critique of modern Western society, using Harry Potter's world as a mirror to our own. Covering issues surrounding parenting and family relations, social class, life and death, the risks of time travel, and the link between identity and morality, this collection provides a multitude of jumping-off points for scholars and non-scholars alike to spark discussion and kindle thoughts about both Harry's world and our own.