Inspired by the original handwritten and illustrated book by J.K. Rowling, Amazon’s Collector’s Edition features exclusive content and illustrations; net proceeds from both the Collector’s and Standard editions to benefit J.K. Rowling charity, the Children’s High Level Group
August 1, 2008, London: To the excitement of Muggles around the world, Amazon today announced that in addition to the Standard Edition of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” it will offer a luxuriously packaged Collector’s Edition --available exclusively at Amazon’s worldwide websites. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s handwritten, illustrated book originally purchased at auction, Amazon’s Collector’s Edition features exclusive content, including illustrations not found in either the Standard Edition or the original. The Collector’s Edition will be available for £50 (up to 100,000 copies will be printed). Net proceeds from the sale of both the Standard and Collector’s Editions will be donated to the Children’s High Level Group, a charity co-founded in 2005 by J. K. Rowling and Emma Nicholson MEP to make life better for vulnerable children. Harry Potter fans can pre-order the Standard and Collector’s Editions of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” today at www.amazon.co.uk/beedlebard.
Both the Standard and Collector’s Editions include an introduction and illustrations by J.K. Rowling, all five fairy tales from the original “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” and an enlightening and comprehensive commentary (including extensive footnotes) by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who brings his unique wizard's-eye perspective to the collection.
Amazon’s luxuriously packaged Collector’s Edition is designed to evoke the spirit of the handcrafted original, and features a unique book-within-a-book design—“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” is tucked inside an “outer book,” a case disguised as a wizarding textbook from the Hogwarts library. Upon opening the “outer book,” customers will find a velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowling's signature, inside of which sits the piece-de-resistance--their very own copy of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” complete with bonded leather binding, metalwork (corners, clasp and skull), replica gemstones, an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling’s handwritten introduction and an emerald ribbon. Additionally, the Collector’s Edition features 10 new illustrations by J.K. Rowling not included in either the Standard or original handcrafted editions.
“When we purchased ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ at auction, we never envisioned that we’d have the opportunity to share the book with Amazon customers in such a unique and special way,” said Christopher North, vice president of media for Amazon.co.uk. “We are thrilled and grateful that J.K. Rowling and the Children’s High Level Group were gracious enough to give us this opportunity to create the Collector’s Edition, and we think Harry Potter fans and Amazon customers around the world will love it.”
In December 2007, Amazon 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,” was one of only seven handmade copies in existence. The book was purchased for £1,950,000 with the proceeds of the sale going to the Children’s High Level Group.
The “Tales of Beedle the Bard” will be released on December 4, 2008. To pre-order a copy of the Standard or Amazon Exclusive Collector’s Edition of “Tales of Beedle the Bard” visit any one of Amazon’s worldwide websites - www.amazon.com/beedlebard, www.amazon.co.uk/beedlebard, www.amazon.de/beedlebard, www.amazon.co.jp/beedlebard, www.amazon.fr/beedlebard, www.amazon.ca/beedlebard and www.amazon.cn/beedlebard.
For further information please contact the Amazon.co.uk press office on 020 8636 9280.
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