<p>This is the first study to cover all seven volumes of the Harry Potter cycle, to examine Rowling's three spin-offs and to compare the seven books with the seven films. It presents a careful analysis of Harry and his inner circle, their character development and their interrelationships. Further, it demonstrates how Rowling's plotting techniques, her humor and her style contribute to the success of the series. Refuting those critics who have dismissed Rowling's work as "not great literature," the author explains how and why it became a blockbuster and why it will remain a classic, loved and appreciated by children, young adults and adults throughout the world. The book is written in a clear and accessible style and is geared to young adults and adults, both Harry Potter fans and the general public.</p>

On the Trail of Harry Potter

Literature & Fiction

Vera G. Lee

History & Criticism

Pitapat Press

The Black and White of American Popular Music describes the interrelationships between African-American and white musicians and their music from 1900 to the end of World War II. It analyzes these relationships in a wide variety of fields, including musical comedy, radio, recording, songwriting and vocalists, business, dance and jazz. Throughout the study the author proves by illustration that jazz sprang from the music of African slaves in America. She demonstrates how black music evolved as a continuum, while reacting to and interacting with white music and while undergoing metamorphoses from pre-ragtime music to be-bop. Above all, the relationships between black and white music are seen as symbiotic. On the one hand, black musicians were influenced by white music and benefited from the promotion and opportunities provided by white entrepreneurs. On the other, white musicians were (and still are) quick to adopt and adapt every form of black music they discovered. And white entrepreneurs made fortunes on the backs of black musicians. Although this symbiotic relationship has often been exploitative, to the disadvantage of blacks, it may also be seen as mutually beneficial.  Wynton Marsalis describes the black and white connections in music as "this strange dance that we've been doing with each other since the beginning of our relationship in America." This book focuses precisely on that dance, analyzing what each of the two partners, black and white, brings to the dance and discovering how each meshes or remains out of step with the music and each other.

The Black and White of American Popular Music, from Slavery to World War II

Arts & Photography

Music

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Books by Vera G. Lee