This
short work, comprising five tales for children, assumes some
acquaintance with the Harry Potter books by the same author.
Characters from these books are referred to in the tales, and it is
assumed that the reader has already made their acquaintance.
Moreover, each tale includes a critique by Professor Albus
Dumbledore, who was the headmaster of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Mention of Professor
Dumbledore’s prowess is made in the short preface to the book;
however, for anyone unacquainted with the Harry Potter books this
would probably not mean very much.
I have heard that the original book (The
Tales of Beedle the Bard)
– a limited edition of seven copies - was exquisitely handwritten
and hand illustrated by Rowling. Each copy was beautifully bound in
leather with silver embellishments and semiprecious stones. Six of
these copies were given to people involved with the production of the
Harry Potter series; the seventh was auctioned for charity (The
Children’s Voice) and raised US$ 3.98 million.