Potterheads rejoice! Longtime Harry Potter fan Irvin Khaytman has provided a deep investigation of all things Albus Dumbledore in his new book The Life and Lies of Albus Percival Wulfric Dumbledore. […] Dumbledore’s invisible hand was always at work, and Khaytman teases out the threads in that plan with superb analysis.
[…] Although we as readers always felt that Dumbledore knew all, we gain even more respect after the comprehensive portrait provided in this volume. […] Perhaps the greatest gift of this book is the challenge for each fan to now judge Dumbledore’s morality himself or herself, based on accurate facts and thorough analysis. The intense scrutiny provided here helps us see the entirety of Dumbledore’s character. Khaytman pays Dumbledore the greatest compliment of all: the proof that he was human after all.
– Cathy Leogrande (professor at Le Moyne College of “Harry Potter Across the Curriculum: Multidisciplinary Approaches”)
(Full review on Goodreads)
This book is a must-read for any Harry Potter enthusiast. An engaging, in-depth, comprehensive and unique examination of one of J.K. Rowling’s most enigmatic stars. It’s premise and execution has the polish and power of an academic dissertation while being an extremely accessible, enjoyable read. The author’s passion radiates through the text while taking pains not to alienate those who may be more of a Hogwarts hobbyist rather than a devotee.
The author generously encourages the reader, right from the start, to actively discuss- even challenge and question- this text. In this, Mr. Khaytman furthers what may be the most critical aspect of Harry Potter as a literary phenomenon. This book is an impetus to engage further with a dynamic, enthusiastic global community who knows that books and love are the most powerful magic of all.
– Leanna Renee Hieber (award-winning author of Darker Still, the Strangely Beautiful saga)
I’d like to venture this might be the most fun you’ll ever have reading a book of critical essays. Like Dumbledore himself, this book is both insightful and delightful and written with an abundance of charm, intelligence and a great deal of love for Harry Potter. I’ve reread the HP series probably around a dozen times, and this presented me with theories I had never considered before. I’d highly recommend for any fellow Potterheads.
– Sarvenaz Tash (author of The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love)
Every Harry Potter fan who reads and re-reads the books is left with a sense that there’s a lot more to the saga than can be found on the page. No worries, leave it to Irvin Khaytman, who has been a Potter scholar and essayist for most of his life, to present this carefully researched and brilliantly written walk through all seven novels, laying out a very plausible scenario for what Dumbledore knew and when. The book is a must-read for any serious Harry Potter fan.
– Steve Vander Ark (The Harry Potter Lexicon, In Search of Harry Potter)
(Full review at The Lexicon)
Between his deep understanding of the Harry Potter series and his excellent writing skills, Irvin’s “The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore” is a must-read for Harry Potter fans who can’t get enough of the Wizarding World. The book impressively explores the most fascinating character in the series and gives fans a lot to think about. Get ready to see Dumbledore in a whole new light.
– Andrew Sims (MuggleCast, Hypable)
Albus Dumbledore: saintly mentor and protector of young wizards or ruthless Machiavellian manipulator?
[…] Khaytman spins hints in the texts and purely speculative notions together into a broad view of what Hogwarts’ headmaster knew, when he knew it, and what he did about it in his campaign to quash He Who Must Not Be Named. […] Khaytman writes that he reread the series 14 times but freely acknowledges ideas contributed by fellow fan critics both as he goes and, in greater detail, in an annotated bibliography. […]
Even readers on their own 14th rereads of the series will find new insights to ponder.
– Kirkus Reviews
Dumbledore: greatest of teachers or Machiavellian schemer? Irvin Khaytman reconciles these aspects of the character through an investigation of Dumbledore’s final years, particularly his last great project: the race to identify and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. The Harry Potter series may be finished, but we still have much to discover about Dumbledore, whether through the Fantastic Beasts films or through this steady-eyed analysis. If your understanding of love, death, and goodness have been influenced by these stories — if you’re part of the Harry Potter generation — then this book is for you.
– Lorrie Kim (SNAPE: A Definitive Reading)
(Full review at her blog!)
A must read for any Harry Potter fan. In this book, Irvin Khaytman provides a thorough analysis of Albus Dumbledore’s history, intentions, and plans throughout the series. The reading will make you want to reread the series again and allow you to feel a sense of connection with the characters.
– Dr. Janina Scarlet (clinical psychologist, Harry Potter Therapy: An Unauthorized Self-Help Book from the Restricted Section)
When I read the series, I often just assume that Dumbledore is, to a certain degree, omnipotent and practically prophetic. It was fascinating to me to really dive in and analyze the mistakes that Dumbledore makes, the ruthless plots he puts into place, and the risks he’s willing to take. It’s impossible to look at Dumbledore the same way after reading this book.
Dumbledore: The Life and Lies 