You're no idiot. You know the wildly popular Harry Potter series has captivated readers of all ages from the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stoneon. But did you recognize all the subtle references Rowling uses in her characters' names or in the magical creatures we encounter and places we explore in Harry's wonderful world of wizardry? The truth is, the world of Harry Potter is incredibly textured and complex and not only has factual roots in history, mythology, science, and folklore, but also draws on all genres of literature, from C. S. Lewis to the Bible. You'll learn this and much more in the fun facts and tantalizing trivia provided in this fabulous new addition to the Complete Idiot's Guide series! This is not a retelling of Rowling's stories, nor is it intended to be a cheat sheet to the novels, a la the Cliffs Notes series. Instead, it is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels.

Small creatures of great importance. Microbiology, the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans, is a key part of medical training curriculum. Written by a top professor of microbiology and an experienced science writer, this book is a basic microbiology course that can be understood by anyone, including medical students, professionals wanting to bone up on the subject, and laypersons wanting to know about the topic. • Includes coverage on microbes and their relationship with each other, the body’s immune system, infectious diseases, biotechnology, and bioterrorism

- Over 100 recipes for smoking all types of food, as well as forrubs and sauces, and more. - Features expert tips for smoking success, including common smoking mistakes.

An introduction to Greek and Roman mythology provides explanations of all the gods and their roles, origins of the myths and theories on who wrote them, and the function of myths in society

Numerology holds the key to self-understand, foretelling the future-and strong sales... Numbers reveal essential truths about people, their loved ones, and the world around them. Here, readers learn how to observe those numbers, calculate their meanings, and interpret what they reveal. Through understanding all types of numbers (Core Numbers, Karma, Master, Pinnacles/Challenges, Passion, Balance, Personal Year, Universal Year), they can divine a roadmap to their future. • Readers can create forecasts and charts as they would astrological charts • The two Complete Idiot's Guides® numerology books are ideal for bundling together

Gain some insight into the game of life... Game Theory means rigorous strategic thinking. It is based on the idea that everyone acts competitively and in his own best interest. With the help of mathematical models, it is possible to anticipate the actions of others in nearly all life's enterprises. This book includes down-to-earth examples and solutions, as well as charts and illustrations designed to help teach the concept. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Game Theory, Dr. Edward C. Rosenthal makes it easy to understand game theory with insights into: • The history of the discipline made popular by John Nash, the mathematician dramatized in the film A Beautiful Mind • The role of social behavior and psychology in this amazing discipline • How important game theory has become in our society and why

You've always known writing comedy was about more than just being funny. But how do you create a joke and work it into a script or a stand-up routine? Comedian, writer, and teacher Jim Mendrinos has the answers. In The Complete Idiot s Guide to Comedy Writing, Mendrinos gives readers the principles he teaches in his popular courses, from understanding what funny is and how to find it, to how to actually construct comedy. Working through the basic constructions and forms including premises, points of view, and twists, he shows the variations of written, verbal, and physical comedy. With useful exercises, Mendrinos helps writers refine their writing, appeal to their audience, and even break writer's block by learning techniques for brainstorming, free association, lists, and finding infinite points of view.

Presents information on the basics of business law, covering such topics as business ethics, government regulations, partnerships, contracts, sale of goods, agency law, real property law, and financial law.

One of the most complete and easy-to-understand book on classical Feng Shui, this revision includes coverage of the next level of a method of classical feng shui called Flying Start. Photographs and floorplans are included.

More than magic... Where else can one combine chemistry and philosophy to turn base metal into gold while discovering a magical elixir to prolong life? Here's a simple and straightforward guide to alchemy that explains its basic principles. Written by one of the world's few practicing alchemists, it's a concise reference guide that provides easy-to-follow information so that anybody can be a wizard-in-training.