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J.K. Rowling's Charity to Publish "Beedle the Bard" in December

Books
Posted by: Melissa
July 31, 2008, 11:00 AM

Update: The hi-res version of the USA artwork, with art by Mary Grandpre, is right here in our galleries and the UK cover right here!

Today, on J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter's birthdays, JKR has announced that her children's charity, Children's High Level Group, will publish The Tales of Beedle the Bard on December 4, in an exclusive deal with Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Amazon.

Pre-order now through our Cauldron Shop: collector's edition, standard edition.

According to a post on JKRowling.com, the book will have commentary by Dumbledore (it was "discovered in his papers after his death," including historical notes, personal reminisces, and insights into the most mysterious branch of magic, wand lore). The tales were "translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger" and have illustrations by J.K. Rowling.

JKR: "There was understandable disappointment among Harry Potter fans when only one copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard was offered to the public last December. I am therefore delighted to announce that, thanks to the generous support of Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Amazon (who bought the handwritten copy at auction) – and with the blessing of the wonderful people who own the other six original books - The Tales of Beedle the Bard will now be widely available to all Harry Potter fans. Royalties will be donated to the Children’s High Level Group, to benefit institutionalised children in desperate need of a voice. The new edition will include the Tales themselves, translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger, and with illustrations by me, but also notes by Professor Albus Dumbledore, which appear by generous permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters’ Archive.”

The book's proceeds will go to de-institutionalize children. Amazon will produce a maximum of 100,000 collector's edition copies which will sell for about $100, and will aim to closely replicate the look and feel of the original copies that J.K. Rowling gave to six people closely associated with Potter last year.

All proceeds, expected to garner about 4 million pounds, will be donated to CHLG.

Emma Nicholson of the CLHG says: “We are so thrilled to be publishing such an exclusive and special book. This unique project will raise vital funds for the work of CHLG, to help us change the lives of hundreds of thousands of marginalised and institutionalised children who are living in appalling conditions, and make sure that no future generation suffers in this way.”

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187 Comments

Geri Lefevre

Thank you so much Jo for this new book. I keep re-reading the series & never tire of any of them. In fact I seem to find something i missed when I read them before. I have a severe case of “Progressive Multiple Sclerosis” not to mention my heart problems or my COPD. Maybe because I have a problem rememoring things that I think I missed a certain part in the book I’m reading. You’re a gift to the world from God & have done wonderful things for the children. I’m sure God is very pleased with all you do with your talent. I’m 62 & feel like I’ve never done anything compared to you. If you ever get to Arizona, come visit Prescott. We’re in the mountains & I would be ever so grateful to see you & have you sign my series of books. God Bless You & your family, Geri Lefevre

Posted by Geri Lefevre on July 31, 2008, 10:43 PM report to moderator
C

JUST PRE-ORDERED THE COLLECTORS ED :D YAY

but even the british copy is absolutely beautiful i’m tempted to get both lol oh well … I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS ONE :D and I just gave £50 to charity … one hundred percent worth the money if you ask me.

Posted by C on August 01, 2008, 12:30 AM report to moderator
Sammy

omg god sweet! I am jumping around!!!

Posted by Sammy on August 01, 2008, 01:11 AM report to moderator
Ginger

This is brilliant! I was getting goosebumps reading Jo’s post on her website; thanks a lot Jo! I was missing the feeling of reading a new HP book and I’m so happy there’re some mini-stories to devour now.

Oh and Happy Birthday Harry and Jo!

Posted by Ginger on August 01, 2008, 01:27 AM report to moderator
Ginger

This is brilliant! Thanks a lot for this, Jo! And wish you and Harry a very Happy Birthday!

Posted by Ginger on August 01, 2008, 01:41 AM report to moderator
Ginger

This is brilliant! I was getting goosebumps reading Jo’s post on her website; thanks a lot Jo! I was missing the feeling of reading a new HP book and I’m so happy there’re some mini-stories to devour now.

Oh and Happy Birthday Harry and Jo!

Posted by Ginger on August 01, 2008, 01:51 AM report to moderator
Cathy W

I really wish the standard edition looked more like the collector’s edition. So they print the image of the original cover, instead of reproducing it with the metal ornaments. I’d really love to get the special edition, but I just can’t see spending that much money for something that will just gather dust. I also try to avoid leather when I can. I do like the graphics they are using on the British standard edition (some of JKR’s drawings), so I think I’ll get that one instead of Mary Grand Pre’s cover (though that’s nice too).

Posted by Cathy W on August 01, 2008, 01:51 AM report to moderator
Professor Potter

This is the most joyous news of all! I just ordered the collector’s edition from amazon.co.uk. My god, we are going to have a new JK book before Xmas. I am trying to get over this shock! I know everyone is saying the collector’s edition is expensive but it is all for charity, and it is limited to just 100,000 worldwide and its beautiful. Besides, I’m sure many of you would buy an ornament for more than £50 except this is so much more than just a simple ornament. This will take pride of place on my book shelf.

Posted by Professor Potter on August 01, 2008, 02:44 AM report to moderator
Vicener

I don’t really know why, but I’m liking the UK cover more and more by the minute. The US cover, well it’s ok.

Posted by Vicener on August 01, 2008, 03:59 AM report to moderator
Lady Hawke

Squeeee!!!

My husband just order the Collector’s Edition for my Christmas present!!!

I have never Squeeeed on a post before.

Posted by Lady Hawke on August 01, 2008, 04:20 AM report to moderator
Brie

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!! This news just made my day!

Posted by Brie on August 01, 2008, 05:08 AM report to moderator
joycemorrison

so damn awesome! tis your birthday, Jo, and yet you gave us this gift! thank you so much! and happy birthday, Jo and Harry and Neville! =) with lotsalove and xoxoxox =)

Posted by joycemorrison on August 01, 2008, 05:53 AM report to moderator
weasleywarrior

My only question to Jo would be “When did Hermione do the translation from the original runes?”

hmmmm?

ww

Posted by weasleywarrior on August 01, 2008, 06:50 AM report to moderator
ginevra

Fritz, my understanding is that the Collector’s edition will differ from the Standard edition in three ways: 1) the glitz factor, obviously; 2) additional illustrations by JK Rowling; 3) a facsimile of Jo’s original handwritten introduction as opposed to a new introduction for the Standard edition. I believe both editions will feature Dumbledore’s annotations.

I balked at spending the money for the Collector’s edition, but then I realized that I’ve frittered away more money on sillier things, and this is, after all, for a very good cause.

What a wonderful birthday present for Jo to give us all!

Melissa, how does it feel to have Jo herself stealing your literary thunder? :D

Posted by ginevra on August 01, 2008, 07:32 AM report to moderator
B

Does anyone know where we’ll be able to buy it in Australia? Amazon won’t ship to where I live. :(

Posted by B on August 01, 2008, 08:46 AM report to moderator
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