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New Book Written by J.K. Rowling to Be Auctioned for Charity
J.K. RowlingSome amazing news this morning for you as author J.K. Rowling has announced on her website she has written a new book, however there is only one to be made available to the public, and it will be sold for charity. On her website, Jo states this new book is based on a tale that is mentioned in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The book that is to be auctioned is one of seven handwritten by the Harry Potter author, the other six will be given to people she wanted to honor privately, with the final copy going on auction at Sotheby's in London on December 13th 2007. The book, leather-bound and embellished with silver and different semi-precious stones, "will be on display to the public for a short period before the sale, and catalogues will be sold, all profits going to the Children's Voice." Readers will remember this is the charity that Jo founded several years ago; more information on this group, here. The Children's Voice charity (formerly Children’s High Level Group (CHLG)) aims to stamp out cruelty, neglect and abuse of young people, especially in Eastern Europe. JKR made a moving visit to the area several years ago, and has remained dedicated to helping these children.
Sotheby's has a short description about the book itself (Note: A special 48 page catalogue previewing this will soon be available for sale to the public and includes a message from Jo about the creation of the book). "Autograph manuscript of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard ” translated from the original runes by J.K. Rowling. Individually handwritten and extensively illustrated by the author, c.160 pages written in an Italian hand-made notebook, bound in brown morocco embellished on upper cover by Edinburgh silversmiths Hamilton and Inches, with five individually hand-chased hallmarked sterling silver ornaments and mounted moonstones."UPDATE: Sotheby's has now officially released to the press three new photos here, here, and here.
Some additional information about this remarkable event can be found via the following : (Please note, if you have not yet read the final Harry Potter novel, there are spoilers.)
he BBC now has video up of an interview with Jo, giving more details on this. To watch this video, click here.
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Does this mean we’ll NEVER be able to read these stories? that’s a bit cruel :(
That sounds great. And I hope after the auctione she will eventually publish the stories on her site. Maybe as a Christmas gift?
On another note: I am confused. I know there is this WOTM archive, which I find great. But does that mean there will be no more new WOTM??? I was desperately waiting for Hermione and Ron to be honored. They deserve it.
As a Harry Potter fan I am really disappointed that this fairy tale will never be a full release! I find it kind of cruel as well. Alas…
It’s a beautiful gift for people she wants to honour and a great gesture for the charity.
But too bad we’ll never see this book.
One solution : buy the catalogue from the auction.
I KNEW IT I KNEW IT.
Even before this, as a fanartist, I planned to make my own illustrated “the tale of the three brothers” book, but BAH, she beat me to it!
Good on you Jo! This is another fine example of the work Jo does for the sake of Charity along with acknowledging other people for whatever private reasons she has.
I wonder what the catalogue is?
I want to read Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump! I hope one day we will get to read these stories. I thought the “The Tale of the Three Brothers” was a magnificent fairytale on par with the best of Hans Christian Anderson and Oscar Wilde.
...but does this mean that we, the normal fans who can’t afford to buy it at auction, are never going to get to read it? hurray for charity and all, but… i want to read it. :(
I think she would make more money if she publish the book and donates the author rights to the charities, than if she auctions a single copy. And of course, all us would be able to read it… :(
How about releasing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – The Authors Cut with extended never before read scenes, extended Epilogue and an alternative ending with commentary footnotes tracks by the Author and Editor. All proceeds go to Charity.
Alright then, I’ll take the catalogue
“The 48 page commemorative catalogue contains a message from the author about the creative inception of ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ plus images from the manuscript itself.”
The catalogue is quite cheap : $16 or £8, I’ll buy one :)
I want to be a billionare!!!!! It’s not fair!! I wish it was a public release!!!
Maybe along with the sale of the book, Jo will have a public reading from it? That would raise money. Just wishful thinking.
i think that thats so scabbish of jk – shes making other people pay for a £30,000plus book when she her self is one of the richest women in britain!!!!!!! normal people like us will never see it – she could at least give it to a museum or something. i know its for a deserving cause but still 30 grand is a lot of money for us but its like 30pounds for her
Maybe the person/corporation that buys it will find some legal way to publish it. I’m sure she has thought about this, so why not just publish it herself for the masses and then give proceeds to charity. As for the six she is honoring privately, isn’t it honor enough just to have a hand-written book by this amazing author.
So, a book we’ll never see, a lawsuit for Steve Vander Ark, and no more Wizard of the Month.
What a time to be a fan. rolls eyes
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Beedle the Bard? Oh god, fabulous!