Those "Other" Encyclopedias mentioned in the Lexicon Lawsuit
I wrote that I would do some research into the "other" encyclopedic books listed in the court papers for the Lexicon Lawsuit that, and here is what I found. Many of these seem very similar in my layman's opinion. Whether these set a legal precedent is up to a court to decide, but it's pretty impressive evidence. One rather weak argument I've seen people making online is that a few are out of print. I think that's not going to fly because if a book has been out that long, then JKR has had more time to sue them!
Also, I've noticed that some of these writers have done books about other literary works of poetry or fiction, and one did an unauthorized biography of JKR (Connie Ann Kirk). I've linked the authors' names to their other works listed on Amazon.
What's clear is that none of these writers are "horrible-people-trying-to-steal-the-forbidden-empire-and-ruin-fandom-as-we-know-it" or whatever some people in fandom are saying these days about the Lexicon. Yet these books have been out for years with almost no comment, and apparently no interest from the author and her attorneys. Make of it what you will.
Link to PDF
* The Unofficial Harry Potter Encyclopedia: Harry Potter A-Z, by Kristina Benson - 2007
From Alibris Books
The Unofficial Harry Potter Encyclopedia: Harry Potter A-Z" studies each character in Harrys world from his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, to Lord Voldemort to Professor Dumbledore. This book is an independent and unauthorized publication not endorsed by J.K Rowling, her publishers, copyright, or trademark holders.
From Amazon
Sample Pages
* Field Guide to Harry Potter, by Colin Duriez - 2007
From Alibris Books
About this title: Colin Duriez overviews J. K. Rowling's life, puts her work into the context of fantasy literature, analyzes the spiritual themes in the Harry Potter books and provides a succint overview of the books.
From Amazon
From plot summaries to refresh your memory (Do you remember which book introduces the character of Luna Lovegood?) to a delightful glossary of characters, places, spells and special objects (Do you know what the spell aparecium does?), this book by Colin Duriez is an excellent companion to the Harry Potter books.
With loads of quotes from interviews, you'll learn all about J. K. Rowling's life and her literary influences. Chapters on the spirituality of Potter explore the question of how Rowling's faith is reflected in the stories, what she believes about witchcraft and how the stories fit with Christian tradition.
* The J.K. Rowling Encyclopedia, by Connie Ann Kirk - 2006
From Alibris Books
About this title: Hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries provide detailed information about J. K. Rowling and the fascinating and immensely popular world of Harry Potter.
From Amazon
Synopsis
Not since the Beatles in the 1960s has an export from Great Britain taken the world by storm as J. K. Rowling has with her popular "Harry Potter" series. From a modest beginning, the series has gone on to sell more than 260 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 60 languages. While readers young and old enjoy the books, Rowling's success has come with controversy. She is seen as both a champion for literacy, who encourages children to read 800-page novels full of Latin and mythological allusions; and as a shaman who turns young readers into mass consumers and children's literature into a highly marketable commodity. This encyclopaedia is a detailed guide to her life and works. The volume presents hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries on Rowling's characters, themes, settings, motifs, spells, potions, curses, and magical creatures; the people, places, and events that shaped her life; and films, merchandising, conventions, fan fiction, and other topics related to the presence of Harry Potter in popular culture. The volume also includes helpful lists, a bibliography, and an extensive index. Students and readers will find this a convenient resource for virtually anything they want to know about Rowling and her fascinating world.
* A Muggle’s Guide to Exploring the Wizarding World by Fionna Boyle - 2004
From Amazon
This book has not been authorized by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or anyone associated with the Harry Potter books or movies.
From Azkaban to zombies, every aspect of the enthralling universe in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is explained, expanded, and celebrated in this literary guidebook for Muggles (humans who are often not aware of the magical world that witches and wizards inhabit). Characters, creatures, locations, and objects in the series are explored, including the magicians' school Hogwarts, the sport of Quidditch, and the practitioners of the dark arts. Enthusiasts of the series will find supplementary information on the historical roots of the symbolism and mythology used in the series, how the books and movies compare, and creative ideas for throwing a Harry Potter-themed party.
* Fact, Fiction and Folklore in Harry Potter’s World, by George Beahm - 2005
From Alibris Books
About this title: For fans who want to know about the myths, folklore, legends, and Muggle history embedded in the Harry Potter novels, this treasure trove of fun facts and tantalizing trivia covers the fabulous beasts and creatures, the wizards, magical artifacts, and magical places in the Harry Potter world. Full color.
All Amazon Reviews - including Author's statement
* The End of Harry Potter? by David Langford - 2007
From Alibris Books
About this title: An "Unauthorized" Guide to the Mysteries That Remain
From Amazon
Book Description
*This book is not prepared, endorsed, or authorized by J.K. Rowling or Warner Bros. and is not part of the Harry Potter series.* For fans who want to know about the myths, folklores, legends, and Muggle history embedded in the Harry Potter novels, Beahm's new book is a treasure trove of fun facts and tantalizing trivia covering the fabulous beasts and creatures, the wizards, magical artifacts, and magical places in the Harry Potter world. Covering Harry Potter novels 1 - 5, this unofficial guide includes sidebars, internet references, and enchangting art by five-time Hugo award-winning artist Tim Kirk and newcomer Britton McDaniel. This fascinating and educational book belongs on the shelf of every Muggle who wants to know Rowling's inspiration for the creatures, people, places, creatures, and things in the wizarding world.
Amazon Reviews and Excerpts