I had fun with this book, but unfortunately it was mostly because I enjoyed arguing with it. As others have said, many of the comparisons are a stretch and some of his comments make me wonder how closely he read the Harry Potter books. And while I'll admit to skimming the intro and first chapter and therefore may have missed it, I'm a bit a a loss to what Spencer's goal is. He fails to answer the 'so what' question, even if that answer is purely academic or fannish interest.

While I was personally unable to read this book cover to cover, preferring to use it as a reference guide when I came across a new character, my husband loves this kind of thing so he read it. This book goes into great detail about each and every possible classical allusion in the Harry Potter series, from the obvious Fluffy comparison to Harry as a simile of Odysseus. While I'm not convinced all of the parallels he draws are justified, it definitely shows that Harry Potter rewards the dedicated reader and the casual reader alike. ( )

This was a great collection of potential nods to classical mythology that is included in Rowling's works. I believe that reading this, along with some of the Greek and Roman stories that are referenced, understanding the characters in both universes, and finding the connections between the two, will help any reader find greater depth in the stories that were sold as children's literature. ( )

If you're at all familiar with Harry Potter and are interested in the Greeks and Romans, then chances are something in this book will make you think, "Huh, that's cool." Spencer makes some interesting comparisons (although some are a bit of a stretch), and covers a wide breadth of topics. I particularly enjoyed the names section—it's yet more proof that J.K. Rowling really did her research when she wrote the Harry Potter books.

However, at times the book felt like it had both too much information and not enough. Often, Spencer would bring up a theory and, rather than expounding on it, he would just list the places in the HP series where it occurs. (And if you're at all familiar with literary theory, don't bother reading the intro—just a bunch of stuff you already know.)

Think of this book as a condensed research tool to enhance your Harry Potter reading experience. If you want to learn the Latin root of a spell or browse through some of the literary heroes people are comparing Harry Potter to, then this is a good place to start. ( )

Although light in tone, Spencer's book is firmly a textbook. This I did not know when I requested it. That made it more challenging for me to read, but also envious of those with the chance to take college courses in Harry Potter. With obvious enthusiasm, Spencer dives into a detailed description on the motifs and themes of the Greek and Roman classics. To start, he explains in his introduction why he only included Greek and Roman classics (as opposed to biblical or near east), why he only consulted the seven books and not the additional material like interviews and Pottermore, and why he thinks Rowling’s use of mythology is important. From there, he moves into exploring the three main characters, as he sees them – Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, and Lord Voldemort. He then writes about Major and Supporting Characters, Magical Beings and Materials, and the Classical Languages used in Harry Potter.
While his knowledge of Harry Potter and Greco-Roman mythology is extensive, I’m not sure there is quite enough for the whole book. Several times, particular in the chapters on Beings and Material and Supporting Characters, it seemed he was stretching a bit to find the connection. Or, assuming Rowling meant more by the name that she really may have (although, he states in the beginning he doesn’t claim to know her mind or motives, and so, he may be right.). I found his Appendix on the “Ring Composition” of Rowling’s work to be most enlightening. Rowling has been called a literary genius for her use of that literary device and Spencer’s appendix makes it clear how deeply woven into the narrative this device is.
While I’m not sure this book would appeal to your average Harry Potter fan, it will appeal to your diehard or academically-minded. And for anyone who also enjoys Greco-Roman mythology, this is a must-read. Spencer’s tone is jovial and accessible, if somewhat repetitive, and although it reads like a textbook, it’s not overly complicated or difficult. I recommend as a fine addition to the library of any Harry Potter fan.

Note: I received this free as part of LibraryThing's Early Review Program, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. ( )