It's not too Early to Think About Christmas...

Especially if you're a Harry Potter fan and want to pick up this treasure. For those not in the know, an important plot element in the final Harry Potter book "Deathly Hallows" involves a book of wizard-world fairy tales called "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" which are similar to our Grimm's or Andersen's fairy tales. Several story titles are mentioned and the tale of "The Three Brothers" is the one that is told in full and describes the Deathly Hallows that become important to Harry's defeat of Lord Voldemort (and if that was a spoiler for you at this late date, so sorry that I ruined the surprise).

JK Rowling wanted to do something special to thank six people who had been instrumental in the success of Harry Potter and had been supportive of her. So she handwrote and illustrated six copies of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard", had them individually handbound, and gave them as gifts. Then she wrote one more which was just purchased by Amazon for about $4 million. Rowling is donating the proceeds of that sale to charity.

I love the fact that all the pictures have the white-gloved hands holding the book, the way they might hold an early edition of Shakespeare! And the glimpses from inside seem to indicate that she is a pretty accomplished artist as well as writer. I think that reading the book would be like reading a journal or diary. Since it's handwritten, you couldn't just skim through. It would require some concentration and focus. The paper looks heavy and textured and the whole reading experience just sounds absolutely heavenly!

I can't imagine that Amazon is just going to sit on their four million dollar treasure--so if it's on your list, you'll probably be needing to start saving!