In a 1998 interview with The Herald, J.K. Rowling said, “I’ve never wanted to be a witch, but an alchemist, now that’s a different matter. To invent this wizard world, I’ve learned a ridiculous amount about alchemy. . . . I [had] to know in detail what magic can and cannot do in order to set the parameters and establish the stories’ internal logic.”  We are seeking papers for a collection of new essays on alchemy, broadly conceived, in the Harry Potter series. We welcome essays on alchemy itself and the alchemical symbolism in the novels.

We prefer a focus mainly on the novels themselves, but from there, an article could certainly look into the films and fan phenomena.  Papers should be no more than 25 pages, including references in 12-pt. type, Times New Roman or Calibri font. Any citation style is fine at this point, although accepted chapters will need to be converted to Chicago style. Please send papers to Anne Mamary (Philosophy) and Christine Myers (History) at alchemy@monmouthcollege.edu by July 15, 2015.

We are in active conversation with Palgrave McMillan, which has expressed interest in the proposal and looks forward to sending it out for blind peer review.