What's up with these Harry Potter films anyway? It is absolutely amazing the effect that these movies have on some of their fans. Have you seen the first four? Well, if the answer is no, then you're certainly in the minority. The amazing thing is that both kids and adults alike seemed to equally love the adventures of the young wizard.
As a matter of fact, the Harry Potter films alone have made J.K. Rowling a very, very wealthy woman. There's just something about wizards and supernatural evils that gets our juices flowing. I suppose it's the mystery and magic of it all. I know two things for sure, this movie series will be around for a long time, and lots of money will be generated from them. Harry Potter films are similar to a new-age Star Wars. It's that kind of phenomenon.
It all began if one single book. We humans seem to love our works of fiction. Or perhaps in this case, fantasy. Either way, the Harry Potter series is a runaway smash hit. When the first book hit the shelves of every bookstore around the world, I actually didn't really care for its. Yippy, yet another children's novel that delves into the supernatural realm of magic and the age old good versus evil genre. Like that hasn't been done to death already. But kids from all over the world were new to these concepts and this in turn got the adult's attention as well.
Because of the wild enthusiasm that the kids work is flying, the adults too were getting sucked into these imaginative books. The writing was on the wall that we would soon see feature films created. While I did see the first four, they didn't really excite me as much as I had hoped. But that's just me, my daughter absolutely adores them. I must admit, the concept of the Harry Potter films is the perfect key to classic escapism. Isn't that why we go to the movie theaters, as an escape from our everyday lives. Come on, you want to get your money's worth and there's a lot to be said for vicarious thrills.
If you're not an avid reader you may want to simply watch the Harry Potter films. In my opinion, the third and fourth installments or more entertaining than the first two. Of course this is just my opinion, but the way cinematography was much better. The Internet also provides any fan of the Harry Potter films with a plethora of material. You can hop online and pick up any of the first four Harry Potter films today on DVD for a decent price. Amazon.com is a superstore or you can find any of these films and can buy them either new or used.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Real Magic: Beyond Harry Potter
Real Magic: Beyond Harry Potter
Harry Potter has been all over the news these days, due to the launch of the 7th Harry Potter book and the 5th Harry Potter movie. It's certainly no accident that the 5th movie "Order of the Phoenix" came out a week before the 7th book "Deathly Hallows".
It seems to have been such a great success, and has worked all the Harry Potter fans into a frenzy!
There is even a lot of controversy from fundamentalist Christian groups around the fact that these books & movies promote witchcraft and sorcery.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the Harry Potter series doesn't nearly do justice to promoting witchcraft and sorcery. It is after-all fiction, and the aspects of using magic are highly over-dramatized compared to the results of REAL witchcraft and sorcery.
However, the concerns are founded, as many of these Harry Potter fans will and probably are seeking out the real forms of magic use. I think this is a great thing, as much of the fear of witchcraft is based on ignorance, and not the truth of what it really is.
Modern day REAL witches and Sorcerers are people who generally embrace multiculturalism and seek to learn answers to their spiritual questions where-ever answers can be found. These days there are also plenty of New Age spiritualists to learn from that are skilled in witchcraft, yoga, meditation, and psychology.
There is also a growing trend outside of the Harry Potter movement that is cluing into what is called the "Law of Attraction". This "Law of Attraction" when understood and implemented correctly, is definitely a form of magic in my books.
What probably comes absolutely closest in the real world to Harry Potter style magic, is psychic ability. There are psychics all over the world, and it is known to be a skill that can be learned by anyone who studies it diligently. Yes, you are psychic too, although you may not have tapped into your psychic abilities yet.
Many of the psychics today can be found practicing various forms of meditation, yoga, shamanism, and other types of pagan religions.
I must admit that I am glad to see a resurgence of paganism and wisdom of other religions. I think the future holds a fusion hybrid understanding of how the world works, and a greater ability for humans to tap into their psychic ability due to the understandings that each world culture has contributed.
I'm hoping that all those Harry Potter fans will seek to attain magical abilities themselves, and in doing so help to positively change the world with their newfound powers. So I choose to celebrate the Harry Potter movies, the 7 Harry Potter books, and I encourage Harry Potter fans to continue their quest for knowledge, wisdom, and Magic beyond fiction.
Harry Potter has been all over the news these days, due to the launch of the 7th Harry Potter book and the 5th Harry Potter movie. It's certainly no accident that the 5th movie "Order of the Phoenix" came out a week before the 7th book "Deathly Hallows".
It seems to have been such a great success, and has worked all the Harry Potter fans into a frenzy!
There is even a lot of controversy from fundamentalist Christian groups around the fact that these books & movies promote witchcraft and sorcery.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the Harry Potter series doesn't nearly do justice to promoting witchcraft and sorcery. It is after-all fiction, and the aspects of using magic are highly over-dramatized compared to the results of REAL witchcraft and sorcery.
However, the concerns are founded, as many of these Harry Potter fans will and probably are seeking out the real forms of magic use. I think this is a great thing, as much of the fear of witchcraft is based on ignorance, and not the truth of what it really is.
Modern day REAL witches and Sorcerers are people who generally embrace multiculturalism and seek to learn answers to their spiritual questions where-ever answers can be found. These days there are also plenty of New Age spiritualists to learn from that are skilled in witchcraft, yoga, meditation, and psychology.
There is also a growing trend outside of the Harry Potter movement that is cluing into what is called the "Law of Attraction". This "Law of Attraction" when understood and implemented correctly, is definitely a form of magic in my books.
What probably comes absolutely closest in the real world to Harry Potter style magic, is psychic ability. There are psychics all over the world, and it is known to be a skill that can be learned by anyone who studies it diligently. Yes, you are psychic too, although you may not have tapped into your psychic abilities yet.
Many of the psychics today can be found practicing various forms of meditation, yoga, shamanism, and other types of pagan religions.
I must admit that I am glad to see a resurgence of paganism and wisdom of other religions. I think the future holds a fusion hybrid understanding of how the world works, and a greater ability for humans to tap into their psychic ability due to the understandings that each world culture has contributed.
I'm hoping that all those Harry Potter fans will seek to attain magical abilities themselves, and in doing so help to positively change the world with their newfound powers. So I choose to celebrate the Harry Potter movies, the 7 Harry Potter books, and I encourage Harry Potter fans to continue their quest for knowledge, wisdom, and Magic beyond fiction.
Pick Out A Cool Harry Potter Costume
Boy oh boy, I'm really looking forward to that day of days this year. It's a mad celebration with parties and treats galore. Did you think I was talking about Christmas? It seems as though the the consensus is that Christmas is a holiday that really gets her juices flowing. Yes I'm talking about Halloween.
That mysterious day that only comes once a year, but hasn't quite achieved official holiday status. What's that all about? We love it in our household. Anyway, have you decided what are you going to dress up as this year? Anything special come to mind? Maybe a ghost, ghoul, monster, or devilish fiend? Or maybe go for something a little more current. You know, one of those pop culture figures that are splashed all over the headlines. Well, how about a Harry Potter costume? Last Halloween I must have seen a hundred of them if I saw one. The world has simply fallen in love with Harry Potter and his adventures.
Have you put any thought into wearing a Harry Potter costume for the local costume party or Halloween celebration? Speaking of costume celebrations, I think I've went to some of the biggest parties imaginable. Coming from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I'm certainly no stranger to Halloween celebrations. You have to understand that back in Chapel Hill, on Adams Street, a little Halloween party has held each year. Okay, that's an understatement, a huge understatement.
The street is basically flooded with high school and college students in their Halloween costumes. I mean thousands and thousands of people as far as the eye can see. So if you happen to be a Halloween nut like I am, you may want to check out this gala event sometime soon. It's similar to Mardigras for Halloween. Not too long ago I was there and spotted quite a few Harry Potter costumes. Predictably it was incredibly popular after the first film was such a smash hit. Everyone wanted to be Harry, Ron, or Herminie. So there's no question that the Harry Potter costume was and still is a wildly popular one.
Are you looking for a fun Harry Potter costume? Well, if you are then may I suggest checking on the Internet. If you haven't checked out the Internet for Halloween shopping, then you really need to. The World-Wide-Web has a whole boatload of costumes and all shapes and sizes. Anything from a mummy, to a witch, to a cheerleader, to a Harry Potter costume can be purchased here. And they can usually get them at a lower cost. So if you're interested, get your Harry Potter costume online now.
That mysterious day that only comes once a year, but hasn't quite achieved official holiday status. What's that all about? We love it in our household. Anyway, have you decided what are you going to dress up as this year? Anything special come to mind? Maybe a ghost, ghoul, monster, or devilish fiend? Or maybe go for something a little more current. You know, one of those pop culture figures that are splashed all over the headlines. Well, how about a Harry Potter costume? Last Halloween I must have seen a hundred of them if I saw one. The world has simply fallen in love with Harry Potter and his adventures.
Have you put any thought into wearing a Harry Potter costume for the local costume party or Halloween celebration? Speaking of costume celebrations, I think I've went to some of the biggest parties imaginable. Coming from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I'm certainly no stranger to Halloween celebrations. You have to understand that back in Chapel Hill, on Adams Street, a little Halloween party has held each year. Okay, that's an understatement, a huge understatement.
The street is basically flooded with high school and college students in their Halloween costumes. I mean thousands and thousands of people as far as the eye can see. So if you happen to be a Halloween nut like I am, you may want to check out this gala event sometime soon. It's similar to Mardigras for Halloween. Not too long ago I was there and spotted quite a few Harry Potter costumes. Predictably it was incredibly popular after the first film was such a smash hit. Everyone wanted to be Harry, Ron, or Herminie. So there's no question that the Harry Potter costume was and still is a wildly popular one.
Are you looking for a fun Harry Potter costume? Well, if you are then may I suggest checking on the Internet. If you haven't checked out the Internet for Halloween shopping, then you really need to. The World-Wide-Web has a whole boatload of costumes and all shapes and sizes. Anything from a mummy, to a witch, to a cheerleader, to a Harry Potter costume can be purchased here. And they can usually get them at a lower cost. So if you're interested, get your Harry Potter costume online now.
Harry Potter Books - Witchcraft Or Fantasy?
There are many beliefs that prohibit the practice of witchcraft, so I think that a lot of kids will not read Harry Potter books. But many people who disapprove of books do so on hearsay.
I think that witches and wizards and fairies are all part of being a kid. I would also say that a lot of fantasy is based on a strong sense of good/bad, light/dark with a strong morality. How do you feel about other kids' books that portray magic or sorcery? Or about comics like Wendy the good little witch, or TV shows like Sabrina? In addition, what about Cinderella, Alladin or Little Mermaid? Or any other fairy-tales where a little magic is involved?
One one the saner Christian reviews of the Harry Potter books pointed out that what the Bible condemns is specifically the magic of dealing with otherworldly spirits - and there is none of that in the Harry Potter books.
A lot of kids' (and grownups) fantasy also deals with the misuse/abuse of power with the fantasy setting being allegorical. Pretty much inline with traditional fairy tales, Red-Riding Hood was a way to teach kids about 'stranger danger', for example.
The series is targeted at 9-12 year olds and I think that all children have some understanding from this early age that stories are not real, obviously that understanding increases as they get older.
By the way, I intend to bring up child up to form her own views - in fact I am an aetheist yet I am currently sending my daughter to a church school as the general level of education is better than the other local school.
I am happy that she will make up her own mind about religion, indeed if she decides to believe in God then we'll just have lots of interesting discussions.
I think that witches and wizards and fairies are all part of being a kid. I would also say that a lot of fantasy is based on a strong sense of good/bad, light/dark with a strong morality. How do you feel about other kids' books that portray magic or sorcery? Or about comics like Wendy the good little witch, or TV shows like Sabrina? In addition, what about Cinderella, Alladin or Little Mermaid? Or any other fairy-tales where a little magic is involved?
One one the saner Christian reviews of the Harry Potter books pointed out that what the Bible condemns is specifically the magic of dealing with otherworldly spirits - and there is none of that in the Harry Potter books.
A lot of kids' (and grownups) fantasy also deals with the misuse/abuse of power with the fantasy setting being allegorical. Pretty much inline with traditional fairy tales, Red-Riding Hood was a way to teach kids about 'stranger danger', for example.
The series is targeted at 9-12 year olds and I think that all children have some understanding from this early age that stories are not real, obviously that understanding increases as they get older.
By the way, I intend to bring up child up to form her own views - in fact I am an aetheist yet I am currently sending my daughter to a church school as the general level of education is better than the other local school.
I am happy that she will make up her own mind about religion, indeed if she decides to believe in God then we'll just have lots of interesting discussions.
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth book in the series of books by J.K. Rowling. The story setting is in the famous Hogwarts school where Harry meets up with his old friends again. The main characters of the book are mostly the same ones from previous stories. Harry’s friends Hermione and Ron, and the Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore are the closest to Harry and are kept in constant focus by the author. In this book Potter starts a deep exploration into the life and secrets of the man who became the Dark Lord. Harry and his friends are searching for his flaws and secrets hoping to discover a major one that will bring Harry close to "You-Know-Whose" downfall. Throughout the book Harry is getting ready for the final battle with evil Lord Voldemort who is back in business and is trying to kill Harry to regain power and authority in magical world.
The major theme in the book is developed and brought to the reader through minor changes as it seems at first site. Harry’s new schedule at school does not emphasize attending every class, although students still have huge amounts of homework with individual specifics depending on the field of study. Potter discovers an interesting textbook that has numerous remarks and explanations by someone mysterious called Half-Blood Prince. Later in the book the reader finds out that Snape is the one who left all those interpretations in the book. Harry apart from studying the helpful textbook holds private meetings with Dumbledore. Those lessons with the Headmaster are meant to help Harry understand the prophecy written in the fifth book and also train him for the inevitable battle with the Dark Lord. Mainly the book describes the ultimate conflict between good and evil where Harry is the representation of the good and Voldemort is the evil of the world.
In order to get to know as much as possible about his hidden enemy, Dumbledore tells Harry that Voldemort has created six horcruxes, which means it is hopeless to kill him until all the horcruxes are destroyed. The two were already ruined earlier and professor and Harry wanted to destroy the third one. While trying to do so they were severely challenged by Draco, who is on the evil side but not powerful enough and not decisive enough to win, and Snape. Snape was the one who arrived to the battle scene where Dumbledore was fighting with Draco and after a few seconds of hesitation he killed the professor. This climatic episode is very dramatic for Harry and also is about to bring changes to the lives of the three friends and the rest of the school. From that point on Harry is meant to be almost on his own as now he does not have a mentor and a true wise friend who was all this time by his side. It is possible that Dumbledore predicting his own death he told Harry to rely on his friends through the upcoming difficult year and also not to fear the unknown that he would encounter soon.
The self-made "Prince" always seems to be in the background reminding of himself, although he is a negative character Harry would have never been exposed to such knowledge that he gained if not for his notes in the textbook. Clearly Snape is depicted as a major enemy in this book however in reality as it becomes obvious toward the end Snape is a mere rehearsal for a more serious problem-the Dark Lord. Harry still has to destroy the remaining horcruxes to defeat Voldermort that will probably happen in the following book.
Apart from serious matters such as destroying malicious enemy, Harry’s friends Ron and Hermione are getting into romantic relationships that are the sings of adolescence being mentioned in this book more that in any previous one. Thus there are still plenty of fun moments in the book which make it less tense and more realistic, close to the lives of Muggles- ordinary people.
The readers of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are definitely captured by the swirling reality that happens inside the Hogwarts’ walls, but the final act of the series is left for the last seventh part of the great story. The author is leading readers to the logical ending although it is not definite and predicting anything would be difficult as Rowling is an expert of new mysterious characters and fascinating plots.
The major theme in the book is developed and brought to the reader through minor changes as it seems at first site. Harry’s new schedule at school does not emphasize attending every class, although students still have huge amounts of homework with individual specifics depending on the field of study. Potter discovers an interesting textbook that has numerous remarks and explanations by someone mysterious called Half-Blood Prince. Later in the book the reader finds out that Snape is the one who left all those interpretations in the book. Harry apart from studying the helpful textbook holds private meetings with Dumbledore. Those lessons with the Headmaster are meant to help Harry understand the prophecy written in the fifth book and also train him for the inevitable battle with the Dark Lord. Mainly the book describes the ultimate conflict between good and evil where Harry is the representation of the good and Voldemort is the evil of the world.
In order to get to know as much as possible about his hidden enemy, Dumbledore tells Harry that Voldemort has created six horcruxes, which means it is hopeless to kill him until all the horcruxes are destroyed. The two were already ruined earlier and professor and Harry wanted to destroy the third one. While trying to do so they were severely challenged by Draco, who is on the evil side but not powerful enough and not decisive enough to win, and Snape. Snape was the one who arrived to the battle scene where Dumbledore was fighting with Draco and after a few seconds of hesitation he killed the professor. This climatic episode is very dramatic for Harry and also is about to bring changes to the lives of the three friends and the rest of the school. From that point on Harry is meant to be almost on his own as now he does not have a mentor and a true wise friend who was all this time by his side. It is possible that Dumbledore predicting his own death he told Harry to rely on his friends through the upcoming difficult year and also not to fear the unknown that he would encounter soon.
The self-made "Prince" always seems to be in the background reminding of himself, although he is a negative character Harry would have never been exposed to such knowledge that he gained if not for his notes in the textbook. Clearly Snape is depicted as a major enemy in this book however in reality as it becomes obvious toward the end Snape is a mere rehearsal for a more serious problem-the Dark Lord. Harry still has to destroy the remaining horcruxes to defeat Voldermort that will probably happen in the following book.
Apart from serious matters such as destroying malicious enemy, Harry’s friends Ron and Hermione are getting into romantic relationships that are the sings of adolescence being mentioned in this book more that in any previous one. Thus there are still plenty of fun moments in the book which make it less tense and more realistic, close to the lives of Muggles- ordinary people.
The readers of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are definitely captured by the swirling reality that happens inside the Hogwarts’ walls, but the final act of the series is left for the last seventh part of the great story. The author is leading readers to the logical ending although it is not definite and predicting anything would be difficult as Rowling is an expert of new mysterious characters and fascinating plots.
Harry Potter Audio Books – The Pros And Cons
The Harry Potter mania has not skipped the audio books world. Apart from Harry potter books, movies and video games you could find all the Harry Potter series on audio books formats – downloadable audio books, audio books on CD and books on tape. Is it good for our children? Decide yourself after getting to know the pros and cons of the Harry Potter audio books:
The pros:
1. The Harry Potter audio books are an excellent educational activity for young children that can not read yet or for children with dyslexia. Yet, young children may be afraid of some of the chapters on the Harry Potter audio books – just skip these parts.
2. The Harry Potter audio books are the perfect solution for children who do not like to read. It will help them get all the essential values from the Harry potter books without actually reading them. More than that, it could motivate them to start reading books. One mother told me that she allowed her children to listen only to the first Harry Potter audio book. To get to know the rest of the Harry Potter series, her children had to actually read them.
3. The Harry Potter audio books are the best method to teach children proper pronunciation. A perfect reading will teach them new words and correct speaking techniques.
4. The Harry Potter audio books will keep your children busy for hours. You could use them while traveling in the car, instead of reading to them before they go to sleep or just to get some rest from your children.
The cons:
1. The Harry Potter audio books may encourage children not to read books. In some cases I have heard of, children who started listening to audio books, have read less books. Yet, I believe it’s all a matter of a good education and parents’ domination.
2. Some say that listening to audio books such as the Harry Potter audio books may damage the imagination and creativity of the children.
The pros:
1. The Harry Potter audio books are an excellent educational activity for young children that can not read yet or for children with dyslexia. Yet, young children may be afraid of some of the chapters on the Harry Potter audio books – just skip these parts.
2. The Harry Potter audio books are the perfect solution for children who do not like to read. It will help them get all the essential values from the Harry potter books without actually reading them. More than that, it could motivate them to start reading books. One mother told me that she allowed her children to listen only to the first Harry Potter audio book. To get to know the rest of the Harry Potter series, her children had to actually read them.
3. The Harry Potter audio books are the best method to teach children proper pronunciation. A perfect reading will teach them new words and correct speaking techniques.
4. The Harry Potter audio books will keep your children busy for hours. You could use them while traveling in the car, instead of reading to them before they go to sleep or just to get some rest from your children.
The cons:
1. The Harry Potter audio books may encourage children not to read books. In some cases I have heard of, children who started listening to audio books, have read less books. Yet, I believe it’s all a matter of a good education and parents’ domination.
2. Some say that listening to audio books such as the Harry Potter audio books may damage the imagination and creativity of the children.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Amazon.com to J.K. Rowling: Thank You
We're incredibly excited to announce that Amazon has purchased J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard at an auction held by Sotheby’s in London. The book of five wizarding fairy tales, referenced in the last book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is one of only seven handmade copies in existence. The purchase price was £1,950,000, and Ms. Rowling is donating the proceeds to The Children's Voice campaign, a charity she co-founded to help improve the lives of institutionalized children across Europe.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is extensively illustrated and handwritten by the bard herself--all 157 pages of it. It's bound in brown Moroccan leather and embellished with five hand-chased hallmarked sterling silver ornaments and mounted moonstones.
Enjoy these first images of the book. We'll be adding reviews of each of the fairy tales as we can get them up in the coming hours (if you want to be sure of a link that will permanently work, use www.amazon.com/beedlebard). For the curious of mind, Amazon editors are now taking questions about the tales from all comers on our discussion boards (located further down this page).
Amazon.com Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard
There is no easy way to define the experience of seeing, holding, or reading J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard, so let's just start with one word: "Whoa." The very fact of its existence (an artifact pulled straight out of a novel) is magical, not to mention the facts that only seven copies exist in all the world and each of the never-before-told tales is handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling herself (and it's quite clear from the first few pages that she has some skill as an artist). Rowling's handwriting is like the familiar scrawl of a favorite aunt--it's not hard to read, but it does require attention--allowing you to take it slow and savor the mystery of each next word.
So how do you review one of the most remarkable tomes you've ever had the pleasure of opening? You just turn each page and allow yourself to be swept away by each story. You soak up the simple tales that read like Aesop's fables and echo the themes of the series; you follow every dip and curve of Rowling's handwriting and revel in every detail that makes the book unique--a slight darkening of a letter here, a place where the writing nearly runs off the page there. You take all that and you try and bring it to life, knowing that you will never be able to do it justice. With that, let's dig in and begin at the beginning, shall we? --Daphne Durham
1. "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]As in her Harry Potter series, garnishing the top of the first page of the first fairy tale, "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," is a drawing--in this case, a round pot sitting atop a surprisingly well-drawn foot (with five toes, in case you were wondering, and we know some of you were). This tale begins merrily enough, with a "kindly old wizard" whom we meet only briefly, but who reminds us so much of our dear Dumbledore that we must pause and take a breath.
This "well-beloved man" uses his magic primarily for the benefit of his neighbors, creating potions and antidotes for them in what he calls his "lucky cooking pot." Much too soon after we meet this kind and generous man, he dies (after living to a "goodly age") and leaves everything to his only son. Unfortunately, the son is nothing like his father (and entirely too much like a Malfoy). Upon his father's death, he discovers the pot, and in it (quite mysteriously) a single slipper and a note from his father that reads, "In the fond hope, my son, that you will never need this." As in most fairy tales, this is the moment when things start to go wrong....
Read more about "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"2. "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]Featured at the top of what may be one of our favorite fairy tales ever is a picture of a sparkling, flowing fountain. Now that we're thirty pages into the book, it has become clear that Rowling enjoys (and is quite good at) drawing stars and sparkles. The beginning and ending of almost every tale appears sprinkled with pixie dust (à la Peter Pan--fans know that Rowling's pixies are less likely to leave such a pretty trail). This first page of the story also features a small rose bush below the text. It is quite lovely, and as anyone who has tried to draw a rose knows, not that easy to pull off--a fact that makes it less likely that Rowling did it to cover up a mistake (the way some of us might). It is a gorgeous way to start, and it gives "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" a lot to live up to. Perhaps this is why the story begins so grandly and with such a perfectly lush and mysterious fairy tale setting: an enchanted and enclosed garden that is protected by "strong magic." Once a year, an "unfortunate" is allowed the opportunity to find their way to the Fountain, to bathe in the water, and win "fair fortune forever more." Ahhhh, such is the stuff of Harry Potter fans' dreams. In fact, this tale stands out as a favorite partly because it follows the quest arc that fans fell in love with in her novels—the kind we still crave.
Read more about "The Fountain of Fair Fortune"3. "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]Beware dear readers: Rowling channels the Brothers Grimm for her third and darkest fairy tale. In "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" there is little laughter and no quest, only a journey into the shadowy depths of one warlock's soul. There is no evidence of pixie dust on this first horrible page, instead we see a drawing of a heart covered in coarse hair and dripping blood (again, it's really not easy to draw an actual heart, with valves and everything, but Rowling gets it just right--gross hair and all). Beneath the text is an old-fashioned key with three loops at the top, lying in a pool of blood, making it quite clear that we are in for a different tale than the others. Don't say we didn't warn you....
Read more about "The Warlock's Hairy Heart"4. "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]A large tree stump (with twenty growth rings—we counted) squats atop Rowling's fourth and longest fairy tale. Five tentacle-like roots spread from the base with grass and dandelion clocks sprouting out from beneath them. At the center of the base of the stump is a dark crack, with two white circles that look like tiny eyes peering out at the reader. Under the text is a small narrow paw print (with four toes). Not as horrific as the bloody, hairy heart of the last story (and this time we do see bright pixie dust on the facing page), but we don’t entirely like the looks of that stump...
Read more about "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump"
Stay tuned for more reviews of the five tales of Beedle the Bard
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is extensively illustrated and handwritten by the bard herself--all 157 pages of it. It's bound in brown Moroccan leather and embellished with five hand-chased hallmarked sterling silver ornaments and mounted moonstones.
Enjoy these first images of the book. We'll be adding reviews of each of the fairy tales as we can get them up in the coming hours (if you want to be sure of a link that will permanently work, use www.amazon.com/beedlebard). For the curious of mind, Amazon editors are now taking questions about the tales from all comers on our discussion boards (located further down this page).
Amazon.com Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard
There is no easy way to define the experience of seeing, holding, or reading J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard, so let's just start with one word: "Whoa." The very fact of its existence (an artifact pulled straight out of a novel) is magical, not to mention the facts that only seven copies exist in all the world and each of the never-before-told tales is handwritten and illustrated by J.K. Rowling herself (and it's quite clear from the first few pages that she has some skill as an artist). Rowling's handwriting is like the familiar scrawl of a favorite aunt--it's not hard to read, but it does require attention--allowing you to take it slow and savor the mystery of each next word.
So how do you review one of the most remarkable tomes you've ever had the pleasure of opening? You just turn each page and allow yourself to be swept away by each story. You soak up the simple tales that read like Aesop's fables and echo the themes of the series; you follow every dip and curve of Rowling's handwriting and revel in every detail that makes the book unique--a slight darkening of a letter here, a place where the writing nearly runs off the page there. You take all that and you try and bring it to life, knowing that you will never be able to do it justice. With that, let's dig in and begin at the beginning, shall we? --Daphne Durham
1. "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]As in her Harry Potter series, garnishing the top of the first page of the first fairy tale, "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," is a drawing--in this case, a round pot sitting atop a surprisingly well-drawn foot (with five toes, in case you were wondering, and we know some of you were). This tale begins merrily enough, with a "kindly old wizard" whom we meet only briefly, but who reminds us so much of our dear Dumbledore that we must pause and take a breath.
This "well-beloved man" uses his magic primarily for the benefit of his neighbors, creating potions and antidotes for them in what he calls his "lucky cooking pot." Much too soon after we meet this kind and generous man, he dies (after living to a "goodly age") and leaves everything to his only son. Unfortunately, the son is nothing like his father (and entirely too much like a Malfoy). Upon his father's death, he discovers the pot, and in it (quite mysteriously) a single slipper and a note from his father that reads, "In the fond hope, my son, that you will never need this." As in most fairy tales, this is the moment when things start to go wrong....
Read more about "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"2. "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]Featured at the top of what may be one of our favorite fairy tales ever is a picture of a sparkling, flowing fountain. Now that we're thirty pages into the book, it has become clear that Rowling enjoys (and is quite good at) drawing stars and sparkles. The beginning and ending of almost every tale appears sprinkled with pixie dust (à la Peter Pan--fans know that Rowling's pixies are less likely to leave such a pretty trail). This first page of the story also features a small rose bush below the text. It is quite lovely, and as anyone who has tried to draw a rose knows, not that easy to pull off--a fact that makes it less likely that Rowling did it to cover up a mistake (the way some of us might). It is a gorgeous way to start, and it gives "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" a lot to live up to. Perhaps this is why the story begins so grandly and with such a perfectly lush and mysterious fairy tale setting: an enchanted and enclosed garden that is protected by "strong magic." Once a year, an "unfortunate" is allowed the opportunity to find their way to the Fountain, to bathe in the water, and win "fair fortune forever more." Ahhhh, such is the stuff of Harry Potter fans' dreams. In fact, this tale stands out as a favorite partly because it follows the quest arc that fans fell in love with in her novels—the kind we still crave.
Read more about "The Fountain of Fair Fortune"3. "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]Beware dear readers: Rowling channels the Brothers Grimm for her third and darkest fairy tale. In "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" there is little laughter and no quest, only a journey into the shadowy depths of one warlock's soul. There is no evidence of pixie dust on this first horrible page, instead we see a drawing of a heart covered in coarse hair and dripping blood (again, it's really not easy to draw an actual heart, with valves and everything, but Rowling gets it just right--gross hair and all). Beneath the text is an old-fashioned key with three loops at the top, lying in a pool of blood, making it quite clear that we are in for a different tale than the others. Don't say we didn't warn you....
Read more about "The Warlock's Hairy Heart"4. "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump" [CAUTION: SPOILERS WITHIN!]A large tree stump (with twenty growth rings—we counted) squats atop Rowling's fourth and longest fairy tale. Five tentacle-like roots spread from the base with grass and dandelion clocks sprouting out from beneath them. At the center of the base of the stump is a dark crack, with two white circles that look like tiny eyes peering out at the reader. Under the text is a small narrow paw print (with four toes). Not as horrific as the bloody, hairy heart of the last story (and this time we do see bright pixie dust on the facing page), but we don’t entirely like the looks of that stump...
Read more about "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump"
Stay tuned for more reviews of the five tales of Beedle the Bard
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