The Politics of Harry Potter [Paperback]

This political analysis of Harry Potter uses the beloved wizarding world to introduce readers to the equally murky and intimidating world of politics. Rowling's work provides us with entries into all of the most important political questions in history, from?terrorism and human rights to the classic foundations of political thought.Introduction: Politics in the World of Harry Potter Purebloods and Mudbloods: Race, Species and Power Deatheaters and Dark Wizards: Terror and Counterterror The Order of the Phoenix: Intelligence, Counterintelligence, and Secret Agencies The DA (Dumbledore's Army): Resistance from Below 'By Order of the Hogwarts High Inquisitor': Bases of Authority Azkaban: Discipline, Punishment and Human Rights Grunnings and Galleons: Consumerism and Capitalism The Only One He Ever Feared: The Nature of War Harry Potter in the Political World

Bethany Barratt's lively, engaging study shows us how the wizarding world incorporates the same political dynamics and histories as our own, and how politics can be used to save as well as destroy. This is a detailed, imaginative exploration of how political authority is established, maintained, and challenged on both sides of the wall that divides Muggle society from Diagon Alley, and how war is waged and power is exercised (both secretly and openly) by those who hold it in both worlds. Barratt's analysis of the Muggle origins and models for the struggles we see in Jo Rowling's series is persuasive and readable; this is full of useful insights into Harry's world, and ours. - Nancy Reagin, professor of History, Pace University, and editor of Harry Potter and History

You go to the political novel to see your own predicament with fresh eyes. With Bethany Barratt's help, Harry Potter emerges as a crafty introduction to the lore of politics. - Iver B. Neumann, co-editor of Harry Potter and International Relations

Bethany Barratt counters the common belief that fiction folõ