Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)

I'm thoroughly enjoying this wonderful Latin translation. Keep in mind, however, that just because this is a story for children, that doesn't mean that the Latin is easy. To understand this text you will need an advanced knowledge of Latin grammar. Just off the top of my head, here are some of the grammatical elements used in this book: -purpose clauses ("ut" clauses) -passive periphrastics -future passive participles -ablative absolutes -indirect statements (with perfect, present, and future infinitives) -lots of idioms (iter facere=to travel or journey, facere certiorem=to inform, etc) -deponent verbs -verbs in every tense, mood, voice, person, and number In short, you will need to have a good knowledge of Latin grammar. Or, view this book as a way to learn more grammar as you go. I would also recommend having access to a good online Latin dictionary as you read. I have been using William Whitaker's Words, and marking unknown words in the margins for my own learning.

Please ignore all comments I was required to check above - I don't know as I can't read this book - it's in Latin, a language which I, alas, didn't learn as a child. My daughter's Latin tutor recommended this book as a supplement to her regular Latin II classes. She was a Harry Potter fan (who wasn't) and was thrilled to see this, took pictures of it and immediately posted to her instagram and snapchats accounts. The plan is for her tutor to work with her on pages/chapters to increase her fluency and comfort level in Latin. That she's already read this book multiple times in English will make the process smoother. I'm so pleased the book is out there, and think it's going to be a great study tool for students of Latin. Thank you!

Excelente, debeis hacerte de griega antogia y orden fenix latin...

I bought this book for my grandson who is 15 years old and learning Latin for the first time. He thought it was neat although I can't tell you if he has read much of it yet. He is a great Harry Potter fan and is now taking his first class in Latin. I think it will be fun for him after he knows a few more Latin words. This is for children and teens who are interested in language, enjoy learning new words, and want to be prepared in English and Romance Languages. I also believe that Dr. Seuss or Winnie-thePooh in Latin would be perfect for a beginner.

At age 68 I recently decided to renew my brief high-school acquaintence with Latin so picked up a copy of Wheelock's Latin (another superb book)and jumped right in. By Chapter 14 (out of 40), I wanted to tackle something a little more meaty and different than the Wheelock exercises, but certainly not the classics yet. Harrius Potter is currently filling that bill very well. The Latin is obviously not a perfect translation, but close enough that the English version is a good check when I need a hint. At my re-learning stage, it's dictionary-heavy work (Cassell's and/or Chambers Murray work fine) and it forces me to jump ahead for grammar items not yet covered in my normal progression...both good things. And, of course, it's a good story.

I use it to practice my latin.

This was great for my Latin teacher husband. He loved it!

This book is an excellent way to learn Latin for modern generations! I hope more modern classics will be translated into classical languages like this one was.

I am not fluent in Latin, I read only a few bits but the translation seems to do justice to Rowling’s magnificent writing. It is fun to read, a really nice edition, would require a level of around B2 in Latin to read comfortably but can be understood at lower levels if you have already read the book.

This book is amazing! I'm in my third year of Latin at my school and all we do is read about Julius Caesar so i thought that it might be nice to read a book i actually enjoy. I love Harry Potter so much so when i found out someone had translated it into Latin, i got really excited! The translation isn't perfect, but its impossible to have it be.

Good for improving Latin language.

Utmärkt för extensiv läsning.

Questa edizione di Harry Potter et Philosophi Lapis è davvero speciale. Non è certo un libro pensato per una lettura scorrevole e veloce, ma piuttosto un oggetto da collezione unico, che unisce il fascino intramontabile del mondo di Harry Potter alla bellezza e al rigore della lingua latina. È perfetto per chi ama la saga e allo stesso tempo ha una passione per le lettere classiche: leggere (o anche solo sfogliare) queste pagine significa vivere un’esperienza diversa, che trasporta in un’atmosfera quasi accademica ma allo stesso tempo magica. Un volume che non può mancare nella libreria di un vero fan e che farà sicuramente sorridere chi apprezza la particolarità di avere Harry, Hermione e Ron che parlano… come Cicerone!