From the second I read the words "The Boy Who Lived" I was hooked. I grew up in a household full of books, where the written word was worth far more than any new toy or game and knowledge really was power. I remember finding it strange that friends were more interested in watching cartoons and playing with dolls and action figures than reading books. This all changed with Harry Potter, because suddenly children were reading again. J.K. Rowling really did inspire a generation.
Coincidentally I ended up studying at the same University as J.K. Rowling (Exeter). Everywhere I turned I could see parts of Hogwarts. Exeter Uni even has its own Great Hall, dorms (or halls as we called them) with motto's (mine, Kilmorie was nimis non est satis, which is Latin for excess is never enough). Beautiful cobbled streets and villages which bare a striking resemblance to Hogsmead surround the city.
Peter Needham (a former Latin professor) translated the books into Latin. I've been studying Latin for a couple of years now and have decided that it was about time I try to read them. I'm starting with Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis.
The list goes on...! If you have any suggestions of ancient languages appearing in modern books (particularly YA books please do let me know).
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