cover image The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter

The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter

Allan Zola Kronzek. Broadway Books, $15.95 (304pp) ISBN 978-0-7679-0847-4

Father/daughter team Allan Zola Kronzek and Elizabeth Kronzek target the wizard's mature fans with The Sorcerer's Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter. Each alphabetically organized entry contains a potent blend of fact, fiction and folklore. The ""Broomstick"" entry, for instance, details the effects of a purported ""flying ointment"" that witches rub into their brooms to prepare for takeoff. The section on ""The Sorcerer's Stone"" explains the ancient Egyptian art of alchemy. A note at the end of each section shows readers where to find the reference in the Harry Potter books. Thorough research and period prints combine to create a memorable book. (Sept.)