It's finally here! JK Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard is now available in the United States and United Kingdom. Fans across the world have participated in midnight release parties (including ours) to celebrate the book.
Those of us in the UK right now have had a few hours to digest what we've just purchased for charity. The book is honestly a work of art - as precious as one of the original seven copies. The pages of the book feel so delicate, enclosed by a hardback cover with a soft texture. Each tale ends with a few pages of additional details from Albus Dumbledore, and JKR added a few (quite humorous) footnotes to each detail area so that we can understand some of the things Albus gets into.
What are YOUR thoughts on Beedle if you've gotten your hands on it? Leave 'em in the comments below! We're eager to see what the fandom thinks. MuggleCast will be recording a full review show in the next few days. If you want to participate, send an e-mail to mugglecast at staff dot mugglenet dot com with any questions or comments you have.
As Scholastic promised, a video of editor Arthur Levine reading his handwritten copy of the book can be found right here. Just scroll down to "Video Downloads" to see that and video of Wednesday's media unveiling at the New York Public Library!
Posted by
12-03-2008 at 11:08 PM
|
Fan Comments |
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:11:49
yay 1st. anyway, i cant wait to read the book. it looks so fairytale like. somewhat like the classic stories you use to read when i was younger. eeep!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:15:50
Second! I only wish I was fortunate enough to have heard about the Borders parties earlier...I so would have been there. Instead, my book will arrive on my front porch tomorrow (or at least, itd better). I cant wait to get my hands on it and devour each and every page.
LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER!!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:17:17
Its a few more hours @ where i live - not Dec. 4th yet. Altho`, i think i might get it afterschool tmrr` . >___
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:18:17
4th! I LOVED IT! It was absolutely great! I cant wait to see what JKR will come up with next!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:24:49
I wish that she never stops writing about Harry Potter. She should compile a book about the first-ever rebellion against You-Know-Who. She did give us a taste with the prequel, but I want more! Beedle the Bard will be amazing. I can feel it, smell it, taste it...lol
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:35:35
Have only just got through the first couple of stories and already I have a favourite... lol better get back to it. JK Rowling rocks this world!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:44:39
Its not dec 4 where i live. its 10 oclock. i orderd collectors addition from amazon but when i check the amozon website it says i never ordered anything in the past 6 month. wtf is going on. if i dont receive this and still pay my 100 dollars im am nto going to be happy...
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:46:10
I CANT WAIT to get my copy & yes, I agree she should write more HP stories!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-03 23:58:53
What do they mean all across the world? its only in the UK and LA!!! grrr... borders isnt even until tomorrow night... and how can it be released its only 10:00... so technically anywhere west of the midwestern US still would have to wait... im sorry but it just makes me kinda upset and I totally wish I was at a midnight party right now
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 00:10:37
Im from alaska so were just about the last people on earth to be able to get it at midnight,except hawii. It sorta sucks a lot even though Im gonna get it after school tomorrow! Its pre-ordered.ya!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 00:25:21
: ) i thought it was already out. : )
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 00:32:33
I loved it! It was about thirty times better than I thought it would be!
Fountain of Fair Fortune was my favourite story, but the stand out parts for me were definitely Jos (or Dumbledores, I guess) witty comments. I loved the mention that Aberforths favourite childhood story was about goats! Brilliant!
I loved the illustrations; Jo has a very nice style to her people she draws.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 01:04:15
Fantastic! Finally, all the Muggle Families will be able to share in these wonderful stories. I do want to offer this advice, if you havent read all the Harry Potter Books, you may find some spoilers in Dumbledores notes!
Also, youll want to have your copy of Magical Beasts near you when you read!
Thanks JKR!
The Messrs.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 02:32:45
For the ppl who ordered the standard copy instead of the collectors edition, is it that much different? Does the standard also have the footnotes and stuff?
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 02:48:37
I want this book NOW!! I really want to get the special edition version and Im sure the standard version has all the extra stuff in it too...just minus the fancy covering.
I cant get it until Friday though...it seems so far away!!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 02:53:37
Oh NOOOOOOO! I forgot it was coming out today! As soon as I get paid, and take care of some other highly important bills, Ill go to Borders and get my copy!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 04:56:28
Got mine today after watching Jamie on BBC News, thanks for reminding me Jamie lol
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 05:08:04
Dont forget AUSTRALIA mugglenet. It came out here today too, and we all got it before anyone of you others cause of the time difference.
We do actually exist, thankyouverymuch. The world doesnt revolve around the UK and US.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 05:27:32
AHHH!!! Im super jealous right now cuz I dont have the book, but I guess I cant complain cuz my moms getting me the Collectors Edition for Christmas! Shh, Im not supposed to know, and I wasnt looking, but I went on the site and it said she had ordered it, and before she said that she got me something for 100 dollars soo...
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 05:27:57
Ive bought the french version and I find it interesting.
no bookstore was selling the english version in my town so I ordered it online on amazon.
Its a good book, however quite short.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 06:18:55
It was amazing. I loved it and the commentary by Dumbledore was great and sarcastic and lovely. Im happy to have another great book in my collection, though I would love JKR to write Hogwarts, A History. I got my book at midnight and though I had to finish some drawings, I got to read it before class this morning.
:)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 06:25:08
I am waiting for the postman to come. I saw him enter the street beside mine when I was coming home. Fingers-crossed hes coming to my street next. I am so anxious. I want my book. The door bell rang a while ago and i ran to the door...only to find some random person doing a survey...arghhh. Gonna have to wait a while the streets is very long :-( I wish the book was thicker with more stories.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 06:50:12
YAY im super excited. I logged on to MN @ 10 pm last night so i couldnt go to Borders cause i got the memo too late. I forgot it was being released at midnight last night and i thought it was today.I might leave early this morning before school to go to Borders but its most likely im gonna get it straight after school. I cant wait!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 07:30:24
AAAAA I saw you guys in london last night - literally one of the best nights of my life.
Ive read over half of it and I have to say theyre not particularly peculiar, though I do love the book. I do really like Dumbledores notes, which bring out his character really well.
........
(I got it signed by Jamie!!!!!)
Oh and Jamie is the loveliest person on the planet.
x izzy
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 08:13:21
Very funny, It is possible Tom Riddle was the knight in the school play? the back story on tom riddle/nearlyheadless nick and the malfoys was good. altough i thought that that dombledores coments would be in the margins.
good show last night.
sarah
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 08:21:32
when i picked it up i didnt stop till it was done. and yes dumbledores notes were a fantastic idea!!!!!!!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 08:57:27
i am leaving to go buy the book in about 30 minutes, cant wait to see what its like. it sounds amazing! something to break the monotony since we didnt get our movie on time...LOL
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 09:38:49
Yesterday morning, one of the original Beedle copies - hand-written and illustrated by Rowling - was unveiled at the New York Public Library. That copy belongs to Scholastics editor Arthur A Levine, who worked with Rowling on the HP series in America. He was at the unveiling yesterday, and he compared Rowling
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 10:41:40
i just got my copy. finished the first story and it is too cute. i cant wait to read the rest. i have to agree with everyone, Dumbledores footnotes are definetly worth the read.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 11:05:20
I loved the Dumbledore comments, and see a spinoff on one of them...
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 11:06:44
Your podcast was awsome last night. I finished readng it on my 4 hour car journey back to Wales. I fell asleep whilst reading it, and at points all the words merged together, but in the end I finished reading it before I got home:) Im going to read it again though tonight to make sure I dindt miss bits out when my eyes went blurry. Hi to the people I met you were great:)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 11:17:32
I decided to get both the special and normal editions of the book, and Im glad that I did. Theres no way Id want the special edition as the one that I read all the time, its just too....... well special.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 11:33:21
I received my copy just a couple of hours ago, and it was a really great read! I particularly liked the Fountain of Fair Fortune tale, it was an inspiring story. Im now waiting on my collectors edition, I just couldnt resist. :)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 11:49:10
OK, you know what sucks? My mom bought the book for me, but she wont give it to me until Christmas.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 12:11:23
i hope it becomes available in other countries... i was really looking forward to this :3
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 12:22:02
Yay!! Im so excited! Although Im pretty sure my meanie boyfriend wont give it over until Christmas...it can only make Christmas that much better!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 12:38:47
I just got home from work and waiting for me was my wonderful collectors edition from Amazon. It is sooooo beautiful! I cant wait to start reading it... yipee!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 13:26:52
Before I give my own review of this book I just want to say that I am a huge harry potter fan, to the extent that I actually have a deathly hallows tattoo on my bottom.
Ive been really excited about this book coming out, as I too wanted another fix of harry potter. I was delighted when my book came with that familiar harry potter scent to the pages. I was quite disappointed at how quickly I got through the book though.
I do have some criticisms that Im sure will be torn apart by fellow fans but I have to get them out.
Im in my final year on a Childrens Illustration course and am writing a dissertation about fairy tales, which I think may have damaged my reading of this book. Firstly I need to point out that these are more fables than fairy tales, as fairytales allow you to find your own conclusions, where as a fable instructs you what the correct moral meaning is. When reading these tales it was very clear that JKR was giving a strong moral message, but without the subtlety to allow the reader to find it themselves. The tales lacked the sofistication that our own fairy tales hold, and to me, I do not believe they could stand the test of time, like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
I wish Dumbledores commentry on the tales had been a little meatier. I could have read far more pages of his analysis. While JKR did say that no one new why Dumbledore wrote down his commentaries, I feel that a man as intelligent as Dumbledore would have had more to say. Humourous as they were, I needed more.
Finally, my most trivial point is about the illustrations. As I said Im in my final year on a course specifically focused on the illustrations of childrens books. While this is JKRs set of stories, and it is for charity, it does make me sad when writers believe the transition from story to image is a simple on. While these are nice simple line drawings, they lack any emotion and memorability.
To sum up, loved the book, but I needed more.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 13:34:38
Isnt it going to be releasde in other countries?
For example, in Mexico?
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 13:40:41
the picture at the end of the tale of the 3 brothers... what does it say?
ignotus Peeverell.... deathly hallows mark... ?????? of ane?
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 14:05:53
i just want to say that the collectors edition is the most beautiful thing i have ever ever seen. best money i have ever spent EVER!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 14:17:04
my local borders doesnt have its release party until tonight at 6. Idk if the books are on the shelves yet, or if they are waiting till then, but Im hoping to go buy it soon!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 14:19:07
I am so mad! I gave up a lot to go to the store this morning to get the book and then no one knew where it was or anything!!! Its so not fair!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 14:24:32
Wow, wow, wow - just finished reading the tales, and the entire book is incredible. Whats more, I got to enjoy this literary feast while contributing to charity also!
As has been already stated, the tales each come with such a sense of deep and diverse history that they easily rival the greatness of the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. Although it is really only the hardcore fans such as myself that will get the very most out of the book, particularly Albus Dumbledores annotations and JKRs insertions, this book is an absolute must for all Harry Potter fans - it really ties in with the seventh book and the series as a whole. I am ecstatic to say the least, and received quite a few stares at the local bookshop - unfortunately Harry is not so huge a phenomenon in my city to have a midnight release party for a companion book, though we did have one for every Harry Potter novel since book five.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 15:10:17
@ Zetera:
As good as Hans Christian Anderson or the Brothers Grimm (not the Grimm Brothers)? Really? Are you talking Disney or have you actually read the original tales? I guess it is only the hard core fans such as yourself that can trully appreciate these tales. When you consider that Cinderella was first documented in the 9th Century, and has survived until the present day it is easy to see why the Tales of Beedle the Bard can easily rival it.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 15:18:58
OMGGGGG I LOVEE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! IVE ALREADY READ IT LIKE 5 TIMESSSSS :D :D :D
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:14:06
OMG!!! My parents made me not go to any parties because of a little thing called school, but I just finished it! OMG!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:23:29
OMG. the book was fantastic. lol. I loved the notes on the three brothers. lol, Grumble the Grubby Goat ☻
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:23:34
OMG. the book was fantastic. lol. I loved the notes on the three brothers. lol, Grumble the Grubby Goat ☻
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:30:45
the barnes and noble where im from didnt even know about the book until i called and ASKED them if they were having a midnight r elease party! i mean, how pathetic is that?! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!1
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:30:45
the barnes and noble where im from didnt even know about the book until i called and ASKED them if they were having a midnight r elease party! i mean, how pathetic is that?! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!1
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:38:15
still waiting... grrr how is it that people have no life and can just sit around getting the book... however i deeply envy you
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 16:41:57
I wish I had it, but again, not complaining (too much). OMG calerwen7, I cannot believe that your Barnes and Noble didnt know about it! Mines had posters and maybe a cardboard cutout up torturing me for at least a month! At least you let them know, LOL.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 18:54:07
I got it in the mail today, but have tonsss to work to do, so hopefully Ill get to read it later! The cover is gorgeous!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 18:57:47
Wow Im so jealous! I want to my copy now! But question please, anyone answer!!!! But I know mrrix32, you said you got both versions of the book, is there any difference between the two? Obviously one has a beautiful cover, but content wise, is there any difference? People who have either book, which version would you recommend? Thanks! Happy reading :)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 19:26:05
I think one of my favorite parts was Dumbledores not so subtle dislike for censorship. The letters with Malfoy were hilarious. It was really fascinating seeing something from Dumbledores point of view that we arent seeing through Harrys eyes, for the first time ever.
The book itself was great. They are really good morals to teach, magical or not. Im really glad Jo published it; there was a lot of insight into the wizarding world and even some things about the characters. We learned who the Herbology teacher was in Dumbledores time, we learned Professor Kettleburns first name, we learned exactly how many limbs he had left (one and a half, for those interested).
I was really pleased. It was worth the wait.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 19:40:14
mine isnt here! my preciouse collectors addition never arrived. and on amozon.com it says i never ordered it. but i did! i put my visa through and evethign1!!! help me:(
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 20:34:47
so my copy sits at this moment, wrapped up in colored paper, under my christmas tree ... and i have to wait until december 24th to read it .... its rather sad .. but seeing as its the collectors edition, i know it will be worth the wait!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-04 22:27:04
Great Book, I just finished reading it. Way better than Cinderella. (But Im not the handsome prince type.)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 09:42:21
I cant wait to buy this book tomorrow, Ive been dying to read it!!!! :)
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 10:45:51
@ luvsweets247:
Collector s Edition Product Features:
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 10:51:56
@ luvsweets247: Collector s Edition Product Features:
All five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
An 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.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 11:13:27
laurenanne - Not only have I read the original tales but part of my degree is in 19th century Childrens Literature which I now teach. The Beedle tales are not only immensely complex, but like their Muggle counterparts appear light-hearted in their approach whilst holding deep-seated morals. I personally feel story of the wizards hairy heart mirrors the coldness of the prince in Andersons original Little Mermaid, and the mermaids decision to finally kill herself rather than sacrifice the prince she loves is reversed in the wizards lust for a human heart, leading him to brutally murder the princess hoping to restore his own humanity. This too echoes the mindset of cannibalism in my opinion, the wish to actually embody the soul of the person you eat. The tale of the cackling stump is clearly reminiscent of many wise old crones and foolish kings in their quest for absolute power, and the fountain of fair fortune brings to my mind the story of the twelve dancing princesses, though in this case the heroines are of braver heart that the knight. The moral is clearly based in the fact that the fountain had no magical properties at all, thus claiming that our fate is governed by our attitudes and outlook, something often reiterated in classics. The Tale of the Three Brothers is the most original in my opinion, and therefore I feel it is the best. It does not remind me of anything, and yet in some ways I feel I can relate it to anything - and that is the makings of a lasting tale. I made my hardcore fans point simply because of Dumbledores notes, they will make the most sense to those who know and understand the series inside out. Also, it was not I who made the original comparisons with Anderson and the Grimm Brothers, but I agree with it entirely.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 14:16:25
omg i dont have any money to buy it!!!!!!!!! i guess ill just have to wait >.< and i totally forgot it was coming out yesterday..life is so hectic right now
THANKS JK ILL GET IT SOON ENOUGH
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 15:42:51
I almost forgot about it too lol with everthing everyone is saying about it, its just making me more excited :D
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 15:54:57
i cant wait to read it!!! it looks really good!!! like a fairy tale book! but does anyone know how many pages it is???
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-05 23:13:08
im waiting till christmas to get the book because then i wouldnt have to pay for it myself!!! so i really, really hope that the time passes by extra quickly!!!
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-06 17:25:06
i have read Beedle the bard thought about 10 times and Im very disappointed with the book and for me to say that is amazing as im a big harry potter fan
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-07 11:42:41
my very first reaction was absolute excitement. i revelled in the fanatstic detail in all the sketches, then i opened the pages and was met with the familiar sensation of a brand new book, the pages still stuck together until you crisply pull them apart. i read it almost in one go, but it kept running around in my head for hours afterward. i will absolutely read it at least once a day for the next coulple weeks. the stories are so unique and well written. i loved the connections to the world of harry potter, but mostly the stories are enticingly curious, and you want to read them for the stroies they are. my favourite was the fountain of fair fortune, becasue of the payment of proof of their despair, was her tears, and her work her sweat, and her treasures of the past was her memory . I have to say i was quite surprised Dumbledore didnt state the connection between this action with emptying memories into a penseive, but perhaps it was a secret item only a fair few people close to him knew about ( like the marauders map, or invisibility cloak)i also love the solid proof that minerva mcgonnagal is the new and current headmistress right now, i had assumed as much, but its good that we are now sure. Overall, a very interesting book, worth a look if you are a Harry Potter fan or if you simply ike interesting fairy tales.
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2008-12-07 11:56:05
Great Book! Tales are really good. My favourite is The Tales of the Three Brothers. Really pleased she wrote it. Also the comments by Albus Dumbledore are great and footnotes are funny and explain well.
Like people have said i too wish she would carry on writing more Harry Potter related books. Dont know if she will. I always wanted Hogwarts a History to be written.
You should definitely buy this book if you enjoy Harry Potter and especially if you like fairy tales.
Daniel
|
Posted by: - Posted on: 2011-12-08 06:06:34
<p>dang it,im not in america:(</p>
|
| You must be logged in to post your comment. |
| |
|
|
Loading...
.jpg "LEGO Harry Potter"){kind=small}
