Can Fluffy the three-headed dog be explained by advances in molecular biology? Could the discovery of cosmic "gravity-shielding effects" unlock the secret to the Nimbus 2000 broomstick's ability to fly? Is the griffin really none other than the dinosaur Protoceratops? Roger Highfield, author of the critically acclaimed The Physics of Christmas, explores the fascinating links between magic and science to reveal that much of what strikes us as supremely strange in the Potter books can actually be explained by the conjurings of the scientific mind. This is the perfect guide for parents who want to teach their children science through their favorite adventures as well as for the millions of adult fans of the series intrigued by its marvels and mysteries.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
The Science Rather Than Harry Potter:
I suspect that this was written as a gentle way of introducing scientific facts to younger readers. The Harry Potter books were written with something else in mind, and beyond sheer entertainment, give some interesting insights to the complexity of life, particularly as one grows up. By examining the various phenomena described in the Harry Potter books, Dr. Highfield discusses how some of them can be explained or approximated by technology. However, the subtitle, "How Magic Really Works," is extremely... more info
confusing:
unless you have a degree in physics, i wouldn't recommend this book. i had a very hard time wrapping my mind around alot of the concepts. the book also has very little to do with harry potter and much more to do with all of the scientific advances out there that semi-resemble things from the books.
Fantastic!:
I loved this book. Behind every 'old wives' tale is a body that ate a certain substance or an occurance that happens every time certain conditions are met. I loved the quote "that the highest form of technology is indistinguishable from magic". The country people are 'superstitious' and the learned are 'factual'. Those who are adept at manipulating matter are witches. What this book does is take every single magic trick and give the physics explanation for how they work. Behind every act of 'magic' is... more info
Critical Account of Scientific Reading:
For a piece of school A level coursework, I chose the book - The Science of Harry Potter - By Roger Highfield. His best-known work to date gives a flavour for the kind of writer he is, `Can Reindeers Fly?' a discussion on the science of Christmas.
I personally love to read, no matter what the book is about. However unfortunately, I struggle on the imagination side, and most books I find it hard to get my head around the fictional creations - Including many of the Harry Potter Books written by... more info
