Amazon.com Review
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Collectors Edition
Offered Exclusively by Amazon (Available in Limited Quantities)
In December 2007, J.K. Rowling unveiled The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a very special book of five fairy tales illustrated by the bard herself, embellished with silver ornaments and mounted moonstones. Amazon was fortunate to come into possession of one of the original copies, and it was our privilege to share images and reviews of this incredible artifact. Now J.K. Rowling is giving millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide cause for celebration with a new edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard (available December 4, 2008) and Amazon is thrilled to exclusively offer a luxuriously packaged Collectors Edition designed to evoke the spirit of the handcrafted original.
Tucked in its own case disguised as a wizarding textbook found in the Hogwarts library, the Collectors Edition includes an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowlings handwritten introduction, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition or the original. Opening the case reveals a velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowlings signature, in which sits the piece de resistance: your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp replica gemstones and emerald ribbon. As a special gift for fans, the Collectors edition also includes a set of 10 ready-for-framing prints of J.K. Rowlings illustrations, enclosed in a velvet-lined pocket in the lid of the outer case.
Offering the trademark wit and imagination familiar to Rowlings legions of readers--as well as Aesops wisdom and the occasional darkness of the Brothers Grimm--each of these five tales reveals a lesson befitting children and parents alike: the strength gained with a trusted friendship, the redemptive power of love, and the true magic that exists in the hearts of all of us. Rowlings new introduction also comments on the personal lessons she has taken from the Tales, noting that the characters in Beedles collection "take their fates into their own hands, rather than taking a prolonged nap or waiting for someone to return a lost shoe," and "that magic causes as much trouble as it cures."
But the true jewel of this new edition is the enlightening and comprehensive commentary (including extensive footnotes!) by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who brings his unique wizards-eye perspective to the collection. Discovered "among the many papers which Dumbledore left in his will to the Hogwarts Archives," the venerable wizards ruminations on the Tales allow todays readers to place them in the context of 16th century Muggle society, even allowing that "Beedle was somewhat out of step with his times in preaching a message of brotherly love for Muggles" during the era of witch hunts that would eventually drive the wizarding community into self-imposed exile. In fact, versions of the same stories told in wizarding households would shock many for their uncharitable treatment of their Muggle characters.
Professor Dumbledore also includes fascinating historical backstory, including tidbits such as the history and pursuit of magic wands, a brief comment on the Dark Arts and its practitioners, and the struggles with censorship that eventually led "a certain Beatrix Bloxam" to cleanse the Tales of "much of the darker themes that she found distasteful," forever altering the meaning of the stories for their Muggle audience. Dumbledore also allows us a glimpse of his personal relationship to the Tales, remarking that it was through "Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump" that "many of us wizards first discovered that magic could not bring back the dead."
Both a wise and delightful addition to the Harry Potter canon, this new translation of The Tales of Beedle the Bard is all that fans could hope for and more--and an essential volume for the libraries of Muggles, wizards, and witches, both young and old.
The Childrens Voice Campaign
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is published by The Childrens High Level Group (CHLG), registered charity number 1112575, a charity co-founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling and Emma Nicholson MEP to make life better for vulnerable children.
All net proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Childrens Voice campaign.
The Childrens Voice campaign is run by CHLG. It campaigns for child rights across Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe where over a million children and teenagers are growing up in institutions, often in unacceptable conditions. In most cases they are without adequate human or emotional contact and stimulation, while many only just survive without lifes basics such as adequate shelter and food.
CHLGs Childrens Voice campaign helps around a quarter of a million children each year through education activities outreach work in institutions and a dedicated telephone and email help line.
Also Available: the Standard Edition
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition contains the five fairy tales, a new introduction by J.K. Rowling, illustrations reproduced from the original handcrafted book, and commentary on each of the tales from Professor Albus Dumbledore.
Collectors Edition Product Features:
All five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Outer case disguised as a wizarding textbook from the Hogwarts library
10 ready-for-framing prints of J.K. Rowlings illustrations
Exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowlings handwritten introduction
10 new illustrations by J.K. Rowling not included in the Standard Edition or the original handcrafted edition
Velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowlings signature
Metal skull, corners, and clasp
Replica gemstones
Emerald ribbon
Stay tuned for updated images and details about The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Collectors Edition. Check our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
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Amazon Reviews the Original Handcrafted Edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard
The following is Amazons original December 2007 review. Please note that the review and images below pertain to the handmade book purchased at auction:
There is no easy way to define the experience of seeing, holding, or reading J.K. Rowlings The Tales of Beedle the Bard, so lets just start with one word: "Whoa." The very fact of its existence (an artifact pulled straight out of a novel) is magical, not to mention the facts that only seven copies exist in all the world and each of the never-before-told tales is handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling herself (and its quite clear from the first few pages that she has some skill as an artist). Rowlings handwriting is like the familiar scrawl of a favorite aunt--its not hard to read, but it does require attention--allowing you to take it slow and savor the mystery of each next word.
So how do you review one of the most remarkable tomes youve ever had the pleasure of opening? You just turn each page and allow yourself to be swept away by each story. You soak up the simple tales that read like Aesops fables and echo the themes of the series you follow every dip and curve of Rowlings handwriting and revel in every detail that makes the book unique--a slight darkening of a letter here, a place where the writing nearly runs off the page there. You take all that and you try and bring it to life, knowing that you will never be able to do it justice. With that, lets dig in and begin at the beginning, shall we? --Daphne Durham
Caution: the full reviews contain spoilers!
Please note that the review and images below pertain to the handmade book purchased at auction in December 2007.
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| "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" | "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" | "The Warlocks Hairy Heart" | "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump" | "The Tale of the Three Brothers" |
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The Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest
Amazon customers have spoken, and out of thousands of entrants, you have chosen Rhiannon D. of Australia as the winner of the Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest, sending her and a friend on a trip for two to London, England and a weekend with The Tales of Beedle the Bard. See her Grand Prize winning entry, as well as all of the other delightful semifinalist submissions.Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem: A Conversation with J.K. Rowling
"I am an extraordinarily lucky person, doing what I love best in the world. Im sure that I will always be a writer. It was wonderful enough just to be published. The greatest reward is the enthusiasm of the readers." --J.K. Rowling Find out more about Harrys creator in our exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.
Rediscover the Complete Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Hardcover Paperback | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Hardcover Deluxe Hardcover |
Why We Love Harry: Our Favorite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowlings wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favorite moments, characters, and artifacts from the first five books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
| Harrys first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, when a boa constrictor winks at him. When the Dursleys house is suddenly besieged by letters for Harry from Hogwarts. Readers learn how much the Dursleys have been keeping from Harry. Rowling does a wonderful job in displaying the lengths to which Uncle Vernon will go to deny that magic exists. Harrys first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. Full of curiosities and rich with magic and marvel, Harrys first trip includes a trip to Gringotts and Ollivanders, where Harry gets his wand (holly and phoenix feather) and discovers yet another connection to He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named. This moment is the readers first full introduction to Rowlings world of witchcraft and wizards. Harrys experience with the Sorting Hat. |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
| The de-gnoming of the Weasleys garden. Harry discovers that even wizards have chores--gnomes must be grabbed (ignoring angry protests "Gerroff me! Gerroff me!"), swung about (to make them too dizzy to come back), and tossed out of the garden--this delightful scene highlights Rowlings clever and witty genius. Harrys first experience with a Howler, sent to Ron by his mother. The Dueling Club battle between Harry and Malfoy. Gilderoy Lockhart starts the Dueling Club to help students practice spells on each other, but he is not prepared for the intensity of the animosity between Harry and Draco. Since they are still young, their minibattle is innocent enough, including tickling and dancing charms. |
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
| Rons attempt to use a telephone to call Harry at the Dursleys. Harrys first encounter with a Dementor on the train (and just about any other encounter with Dementors). Harrys brush with the Dementors is terrifying and prepares Potter fans for a darker, scarier book. Harry, Ron, and Hermiones behavior in Professor Trelawneys Divination class. Some of the best moments in Rowlings books occur when she reminds us that the wizards-in-training at Hogwarts are, after all, just children. Clearly, even at a school of witchcraft and wizardry, classes can be boring and seem pointless to children. The Boggart lesson in Professor Lupins classroom. Harry, Ron, and Hermiones knock-down confrontation with Snape. |
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
| Hermiones disgust at the reception for the veela (Bulgarian National Team Mascots) at the Quidditch World Cup. Rowlings fourth book addresses issues about growing up--the dynamic between the boys and girls at Hogwarts starts to change. Nowhere is this more plain than the hilarious scene in which magical cheerleaders nearly convince Harry and Ron to jump from the stands to impress them. Viktor Krums crush on Hermione--and Rons objection to it. Malfoys "Potter Stinks" badge. Hermiones creation of S.P.E.W., the intolerant bigotry of the Death Eaters, and the danger of the Triwizard Tournament. Add in the changing dynamics between girls and boys at Hogwarts, and suddenly Rowlings fourth book has a weight and seriousness not as present in early books in the series. Candy and tickle spells are left behind as the students tackle darker, more serious issues and take on larger responsibilities, including the knowledge of illegal curses. |
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
| Harrys outburst to his friends at No. 12 Grimmauld Place. A combination of frustration over being kept in the dark and fear that he will be expelled fuels much of Harrys anger, and it all comes out at once, directly aimed at Ron and Hermione. Rowling perfectly portrays Harrys frustration at being too old to shirk responsibility, but too young to be accepted as part of the fight that he knows is coming. Harrys detention with Professor Umbridge. Rowling shows her darker side, leading readers to believe that Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for young wizards. Dolores represents a bureaucratic tyrant capable of real evil, and Harry is forced to endure their private battle of wills alone. Harry and Chos painfully awkward interactions. Rowling clearly remembers what it was like to be a teenager. Harrys Occlumency lessons with Snape. Dumbledores confession to Harry. |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
| The introduction of the Horcrux. Molly Weasley asking Arthur Weasley about his "dearest ambition. "Rowling has always been great at revealing little intriguing bits about her characters at a time, and Arthurs answer "to find out how airplanes stay up" reminds us about his obsession with Muggles. Harrys private lessons with Dumbledore, and more time spent with the fascinating and dangerous pensieve, arguably one of Rowlings most ingenious inventions. Fred and George Weasleys Joke Shop, and the slogan: "Why Are You Worrying About You-Know-Who? You Should Be Worrying About U-NO-POO--the Constipation Sensation Thats Gripping the Nation!" Lunas Quidditch commentary. Rowling created scores of Luna Lovegood fans with hilarious and bizarre commentary from the most unlikely Quidditch commentator. The effects of Felix Felicis. |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
| The revelation of Snapes nature (especially Snapes Patronus and the emotion behind it). It serves as a reminder that it is love (requited or not) in all its forms that drives many of our actions. Harry asking if the conversation with Dumbledore was real or happening in his head, and Dumbledore responding "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" Ron gifting Harry a book on dating witches, a subtle reminder that they are still teens, after all. |
Visit the Harry Potter Store
Cant get enough of Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Our Harry Potter Store features all things Harry, including books, audio CDs and cassettes, DVDs, soundtracks, games, and more.
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :Hardcover
Label :Children's High Level Group
Manufacturer :Children's High Level Group
ProductGroup :Book
Studio :Children's High Level Group
Publisher :Children's High Level Group
EAN :9780956010902
Price :$100.00USD
Lowest Price :$138.88USD
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