by Garry Keown

Created on: August 17, 2009

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 still be bought at now. You see, as much as I would like to say that I bought it for charitable reasons, I am afraid to say that I got it purely because I am a Potter fan. Not often in this world is a series of books so widely loved, that it spawns an actual 'prop', if you will. The tales of Beedle the bard is, basically a book the was give to Hermione Granger in the final book of the series, by Albus dumbledore. She uses it to find out what she needs to know, in her fight against the evil Voldemort.
Now, if you know anything of the deathly hallows, you will know that this copy, cannot be a replica of the one given to Hermione as it was in written in ancient runes. This one, has been widely circulated having been translated into English by Hermione, and with additional notes from Albus dumbledore.

The book is a series of 5 short stories, which are thought to be nursery rhymes told to children of wizard parentage. Similar in many ways, to our Hantzel and gretal, or the three little pigs. I am not going to review each one of these stories, as they are short and It would be nearly impossible to tell you what they are without spoiling the book for you. Just let it suffice to say that, if you are a fan of all things Potter, then you will be transfixed. If You are not, then this book is not for you. At 128 pages, it is a couple of hours reading at best. But, for me, that is not what its all about. It is more a loved possession, than a book. I actually own an important part of the world of Harry Potter! I can close my eyes, and I am there.

The stories themselves, are interesting, and add to the already deep and diverse plot, that JK created. They are called :-

The Wizard and the Hopping Pot

The Fountain of Fair Fortune

The Warlock's Hairy Heart

Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump

The Tale of the Three Brothers

More interesting, though are the notes by Albus Dumbledore himself. They are intelligent, and well constructed arguments as to the creation and meaning of these stories. They are wittily written, and give you a lot of insight into the wizarding world.
Of course, it is the last of the five, that holds most importance. The tale of the three brothers holds much sway in the outcome of the Deathly Hallows, and is an excellent read.

Overall, I would have to say that the book is a must for fans of JK, and is a great memento. It is cheap as chips, at 3.49 and is just a lovely thing to have. Perhaps, it is a wee bit short for people not connected to the series, but it is after all a book of short stories. Well woth a look, and highly recommended (though I may be biased!).

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