One of the most beloved stories in history, J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series topped the best-seller charts and inspired the highest-grossing film series of all time. But what is it about this story that has ignited such fandom and struck such a chord with people around the world? As English professor, culture critic, and Potter devotee Greg Garrett explains, these novels not only entertain but teach deeply held truths about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Unlocking the thematic intricacies behind the Harry Potter narrative, Garrett reveals Rowling’s magical formula—one that, he contends, earns her a place right next to the literary giants of old.