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10 Latin Language References Hidden in Harry Potter
Every other page in the 'Harry Potter' book series is loaded with Latin—here are some of our favorite nods.
BOOKS
House Boasting a ‘Harry Potter Room’ Under the Stairs Hits the Market in San Diego
If you want to live like Harry Potter did at the most miserable stage of his life, there's a house with its own cupboard under the stairs for sale in San Diego.
10 Surprising Facts About E.B. White
You’ve probably read (and re-read) 'Charlotte’s Web' and 'Stuart Little,' but E.B. White wrote books, essays, and poems for both children and adults.
Announcing: The Mental Floss Book Club
This summer, Mental Floss is inviting readers around the globe to join together online to discuss some of history’s greatest books—with a little something for the kids, too.
Why You Should Be Reading 15 Pages a Day
You may think you don't have time to read, but setting a goal of just a handful of pages a day can have benefits that can last a lifetime.
8 Facts About Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
From J.K. Rowling’s writing process to how it changed The New York Times Best Sellers list, here are some facts you should know about the third installment in the Harry Potter book series.
Why Rupert Grint Almost Left Harry Potter After Goblet of Fire
"I thought, ‘Do I actually want to keep doing this? It’s a bit of a drag,'" the Harry Potter star said.
10 of the Best-Selling Books in History (Minus Religious Texts)
From Mao to Harry Potter to Betty Crocker, these are 10 candidates for some of the best-selling books in history.
That Harry Potter TV Series You’ve Probably Heard About? J.K. Rowling's Reps Say It’s Not Happening
Upon hearing a report earlier this week that Warner Bros. was apparently planning a Harry Potter TV series set at Hogwarts and featuring an all-new cast of characters, some Potterheads may have been a little suspicious.
Are Harry Potter Fans Cat Lovers or Dog People? A Survey Gets to the Bottom of the Matter
As much as some Potterheads may wish they could have some of the animals from Harry Potter, whether it be a half-kneazle or a hippogriff, realistically, most of those creatures have to remain in the world of fantasy.
Rupert Grint on Harry Potter Fame: 'I Think I Lost Myself a Bit Along the Way'
The former child actor got serious about the effects of fame, saying it’s difficult to recall his pre-Potter days.
A Copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Featuring Daniel Radcliffe's 'First' Autograph Just Sold for More Than $3000
A hardback edition of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' signed by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and other cast members from the film adaptation sold for more than $3000.
Universal’s New Harry Potter Ride Features One Creature That Never Made It Into the Movies
One factor making Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure unique: it includes the Blast-Ended Skrewt, a creature from the books who was neglected in the movies.
Book Lovers Can Play, Cook, and Craft at the New $18 Million Northeast Library in Louisville, Kentucky
If guests don't feel like reading one of the 100,000 books available at the Northeast Regional Library in Louisville, Kentucky, there are more activities to choose from.
A ‘Lost’ Bible Belonging to Abraham Lincoln Is Going on Display for the First Time
A Bible that belonged to the 16th president—which was kept by a Springfield, Illinois family for 150 years—was recently donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
13 Surprising Facts About George Orwell
George Orwell is best known for penning the dystopian novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'—regarded as one of the greatest classics of all time—but writing novels was only one small facet of his life and career.
The Tree That Inspired Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Has Fallen Over
The whimsical Monterey cypress believed to have inspired Dr. Seuss's 'The Lorax' toppled over for unknown reasons.
Virginia’s University of Lynchburg Is Adding a Harry Potter Class to Its Fall Curriculum
This fall, Virginia's University of Lynchburg is adding a course called “Harry Potter and the Good Life," in which students will read J.K. Rowling's books as well as the works of philosophers.
Wizarding World Orlando’s New Roller Coaster Is Full of Harry Potter Easter Eggs
The new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride at Universal Studio Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-see for Potterheads.
10 Amazing Facts About Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe came from a family of abolitionists, and her novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' turned public opinion against slavery.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Colors of Each of Harry Potter's Hogwarts Houses
The house colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff are connected to the four elements, according to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
The Mental Floss Summer Reading List: 27 Books to Read in Summer 2019
Nothing completes a lazy summer day in the sun or week spent on the beach quite like a great book—and whether you’re into true crime, classics, or history, we’ve got recommendations for every kind of bibliophile.
Dorothy Thompson, the Journalist Who Warned the World About Adolf Hitler
After this crusading reporter was kicked out of Germany, she continued her anti-Nazi coverage at home.
Potted Potter: New Las Vegas Show Reenacts All 7 Harry Potter Books in 70 Minutes
A new parody show in Las Vegas is reenacting all seven Harry Potter books in less time than it takes to even watch one of the films.