Harry Potter's World Exhibition comes to USU's Merrill-Cazier Library

“Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine comes to Utah State University February 12-March 24. The six-panel exhibition will be on display in the lower level of the Merrill-Cazier Library. It was developed and produced by the exhibition program at the National Library of Medicine.

The exhibition, using materials from the National Library of Medicine, explores Harry Potter’s world, its roots in Renaissance science and the ethical questions that affected not only the wizards of Harry Potter, but also the historical thinkers featured in the series.
  
In 1997, British author J. K. Rowling introduced the world to Harry Potter and a literary phenomenon was born. Millions of readers have followed Harry to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he discovers his heritage, encounters new plants and animals and perfects his magical abilities. Although a fantasy story, the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology and natural philosophy. Incorporating the work of several 15th- and 16th-century thinkers, the seven-part series examines important ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice and the responsibility that comes with power.

The exhibition is brought to the public by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. It was curated by Elizabeth J. Bland and its visit to Logan is hosted by USU Libraries. In conjunction with the National Library of Medicine panels, University Libraries' Special Collections & Archives will also have a number of Harry Potter themed items on display in the library's Hatch Room. For more information about the exhibition, please visit: www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/harrypottersworld

Contact Name: Gaby LeBeau, gaby.lebeau@usu.edu