Scholastic, NY Public Library unveil original Beedle

Earlier today, one of the seven original handwritten copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard was unveiled at the New York Public Library. Performing the honors were Arthur Levine, Scholastic co-editor of the Harry Potter series and Paul LeClerc, President of the New York Public Library.

Levine, who has lent his own personal copy to the library for display discussed the importance of the Potter series as a whole and his enjoyment in working on The Tales of Beedle the Bard, particularly the back and forth commentary between author J.K. Rowling and Albus Dumbledore. He went on to say that his favorite tale was the "Fountain of Fair Fortune," which you can see him reading from later tonight. Video and pictures of Rowling and Levine reading from Beedle the Bard will be available right here at 12:01 AM EST.

The book will be on display in a free exhibit (within the library's Humanities and Social Sciences Library) from December 5th until January 4th. Scholastic also announced that they'll be donating three copies of the book to all 87 branches of the New York Public Library. Following its run at the library the book will reside at Brown University, Levine's alma mater.

I was able to capture a few photos at the event which you can see below:

Before the unveiling
Copy unveiled by Arthur Levine and Paul LeClerc
Full Beedle the Bard display
Poster in display case
Paul LeClerc with display, Beedle boxes and video
Close-up: Beedle the Bard
Close-up: Opening Page

Scholastic has also sent us the following three photos:

Scholastic 1
Scholastic 2
Scholastic 3

Posted by Micah on Dec 3rd | 21 Comments