Open at the Close: Literary Essays on Harry Potter

by Cecilia Konchar Farr (Editor)

Overview

The first collection of essays focused exclusively on examining the Harry Potter novels as literature

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781496839312
Publisher:	University Press of Mississippi
Publication date:	05/23/2022
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Cecilia Konchar Farr is professor of English and dean of the College of Liberal and Creative Arts at West Liberty University in West Virginia. Among her publications are The Ulysses Delusion: Rethinking Standards of Literary Merit; Reading Oprah: How Oprah's Book Club Changed the Way America Reads; and a student-generated collection of essays about the Harry Potter novels, A Wizard of Their Age: Critical Essays from the Harry Potter Generation. She has also taught a magical three-week study abroad in the UK that was all Harry Potter all the time and was, among other roles, assistant headmistress of the Gryffindor Tower Residential Learning Community at St. Catherine University in Minnesota.

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2023

A collection of essays centered around the iconic "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling. With explorations on the way the series presents trauma, empathy, and sociopolitical concerns, among other topics, this work delves deeply into the literary impact of the Wizarding World as opposed to its cultural influence. Fifteen contributors from diverse background provide in-depth looks at why the series continues to fascinate so many. Although not focused on the recent cultural issues of the text, the coda by Tolonda Henderson exploring the harm perpetuated by the comments of "She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" through her increasing anti-trans statements roots this collection in contemporary awareness. VERDICT A well-done if not completely up-to-the-minute discussion of the popular series. Read alongside Harry Potter and the Other, edited by Sarah Park Dahlen and Ebony Elizabeth Thomas.—Jen McConnel

School Library Journal

A simply 'must read' for the legions of Harry Potter fans, Open at the Close: Literary Essays on Harry Potter is a compilation of 15 erudite, informative, thought-provoking essays.--Willis Buhle "Midwest Book Review"

Open at the Close is both an intellectually and emotionally stimulating read, probing the depths of the Harry Potter novels to uncover the appealing, comforting, disturbing, and confusing aspects that keep us not only rereading but still thinking and talking about these books years after their release.--Laurie Beckoff "MuggleNet.com"

Open at the Close has the potential to shift the currents in literary scholarship and Harry Potter studies alike.--Katy McDaniel, professor at Marietta College and host of Potterversity podcast

Before your next reread of the Harry Potter series, read this book! It is guaranteed to guide readers into a deeper understanding of the Harry Potter books' enduring legacy while challenging readers to look at the 'real' world in a more meaningful and critical way.--Karen Wendling, co-coordinator of the Harry Potter Conference at Chestnut Hill College

From the Publisher