In Ravenclaw Reader, an international gathering of scholars debate the literary merits and demerits of the Harry Potter series. Each chapter is conversation, with the main argument followed by a reply from another critic. Representing a wide range of critical and cultural voices, the discussion includes questions about the portrayal of education in the book, the role of Snape, the landscape around Hogwarts, the structure of the series, the Wizarding World as dystopia, the problem of the Dursleys, and the canonization of Neville Longbottom. Perceptive, incisive, and thought-provoking, this in-depth conversation will engage fans, students, and academics alike. Ravenclaw Reader sets a new standard for Harry Potter criticism. Developed from the historic St Andrews University Harry Potter Conference, Ravenclaw Reader features contributions by Jessica Tiffin, John Granger, Amy Sturgis, Maria Nilson, Vinita Chandra, Joel Hunter, Travis Prinzi, Gabrielle Ceraldi, Joshua Richards, Amy Sonheim, and more.