Some background on this book --------------------------------------- When J K Rowling wrote the last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in it she mentions a book of fairy tales read to children in wizarding families. One story is mentioned in full in the HP book, this is The Tales of the Three Brothers, as it was relevant to the storyline. After completing the Potter series JKR wanted to thank, in her own unique way, the people who helped her through her long journey to writer stardom. She decided on writing the book of wizarding fairy tales of Harry Potter's world for them. Just six copies, individually handwritten by ...  Read the complete review

Let's face it, any spin-off from the uber-popular Harry Potter franchise is going to be a lucrative and sought after commodity - so J.K. Rowlings 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' was destined for commercial success long before it hit the shops in December last year. In the final Harry Potter novel, a wizarding book of fairytales is mentioned - a compilation of short shories which has been popular bedtime reading for the magical youth for centuries. And The Tales of Beedle the Bard is just that; a collection of tales written by the muggle (non-magical) equivalent of Hans Christian Anderson, or The Brothers Grimm. The book itself is around A5 in size, ...  Read the complete review

this is the book of magical fairy tales given to hermione in harry potter and the deathly hallows. JK Rowling is of course a well known and fabulous author and this is another book of the magical world which doesnt dissapoint. I felt this book contained all the magic the harry potter series contained and it is a really nice twist on traditional fairy tales. This isnt a book just meant for children although it is suitable for them, it is just as suitable for adults. it is very well written and keeps you interested, unlocking the hidden child inside and their love for fairy tales. the construction is several seperate tales. This makes it very good for reading at ...  Read the complete review

An essential children's book, and once again from Rowling, for adults too. Quite simply, this book is a great idea that neatly, concisely ties-in to the main books, but which can be enjoyed independently and even as an introduction to the Potter world of magical folk and 'muggles' (normal folk). The tales here are mentioned in the main saga and so on a deeper level provides an essential insight into some major themes in the books. This is the power of fable and reminds us again of what the saga itself amounts to: a big fable. They cannot be easy to devise. The brevity of this book is in some ways a strong point; there is no overkill, and ...  Read the complete review

As a fan of the Harry Potter books, I eagerly awaited the first of November 2007. This was my chance to own a little bit of Potter memorabilia. Of course, I had heard of this book before. Indeed, I practically new a fifth of the book, as it featured so heavily in the Harry potter books conclusion. I had also heard of it, due to its charitable affiliations. One copy of this book, all-be-it leather bound, and embedded with moonstones (and delicately hand written by the delightful JK Rowling herself.), sold at auction at Sotheby's for £1.95million! My copy did not cost that much. I pre-ordered mine on Amazon for the paultry sum of £3.49. A price, which it can ...  Read the complete review