J.K. Rowling Finishes Her First Post-"Harry Potter" Book

[RobRoy]

J.K. Rowling has completed her first post-Harry Potter book, a collection of wizarding fairytales titled "The Tales of Beedle the Bard."

Rowling said November 1 that only seven copies of the book are being printed. One will be auctioned next month to raise money for a children's charity, while the others have been given away as gifts. The collection of five stories has been handwritten and illustrated by Rowling.

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" is mentioned in the final Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," as a gift left by headmaster Albus Dumbledore to Harry's friend Hermione, and provides clues that help destroy evil Lord Voldemort.

"'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' is really a distillation of the themes found in the Harry Potter books, and writing it has been the most wonderful way to say goodbye to a world I have loved and lived in for 17 years," Rowling said.

Read the rest here.

I'm not certain if this puts paid to the concept that Rowling is just after the money or not. Certainly, putting only 7 copies out for "charity" and "gifts" suggests otherwise, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think the book would eventually find its way to mass release.

[assilem brandywine]

Personally, I'd love to read some of the Tales of Beedle the Bard. I have FBAWTFT and that one about Quidditch. (Can't remember its name. I like the other one better.)

[Irene]

QUIDDITCH THROUGH THE AGES

I believe.

[Jammin]

[Irene]

Does anyone think that after a year, or so, we will all be able to own paper copies of TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD ?

[Fantasy]

For anyone who's interested there's a Beedle the Bard competition. I'm not much good with the shorter stories, but I might throw my hat in the ring.