Summary/Translation pages

[GulPlum]

No: HPFGUIDX 41467

Lilac wrote:

> I was thinking (okay, JKR's people who monitors this list for 
FLINTS and what-not, PAY ATTENTION!) that she can just write a 1-2 
page summary in list style that is in the front of the book.  A 
perfect title for this page would be "A Short Summary of Books 1-4 
for Those That Haven't Read the Previous Books and For Some 
Unbelievable Reason Decided to Start on Book 5 of a 7 book SERIES".
> 
> Then, we would have the choice to read it or not, and we can just 
start off in non-superflous chapter one with Harry at the 
Dursley's ...and straight into the ACTION!  

I don't remember the specifics (and don't have the time to check), 
but in at least two interviews, JKR has already said that she's 
planning a "guide to the Potterverse" (glossary & dramatis personae) 
for the remaining books, rather than repeating herself. The 
impression I got was that not only the readers but she herself has 
got bored of the introductions.

> Also, the translation for the meanings of the Names (yes, they 
shouldn't change, I agree with you BBoy) could be in a one page 
story.  
> 
> For instance...
> 
> Dumbledore (provide pronunciation) = old english name for bumble 
bee. (written in that language, of course) 

I see absolutely no reason for her to go into such detail. Looking 
for and discussing the symbolism of characters' and places' names is 
half the fun of getting into her books and I see no need for her to 
spoil that. One of things which comes across very clearly when she 
talks about her readers is how proud she is that they are so 
analytical and keen on details, and the last thing I would expect of 
her is to spell them all out at this stage. 

She's spoken of an eighth book she may write after the end in which 
she reveals all, and *that*, if anything, would be the opportunity 
for her to go into the various details you mention.