The Tales Of Beedle The Bard is a fictional children's storybook that was
first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and later written as a
real book by JK Rowling. Two differently illustrated editions were released in
the US and the UK in October 2018 - this video reviews both, as well as some
earlier editions that I also have in my collection.
First, let's start with the US Edition which is illustrated by Lizbeth
Zwerger. Lizbeth is an Austrian illustrator whose works are primarily
produced using watercolor techniques.
She's also well-known for illustrated editions of fairy tales and children's
classics, such as Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz.
I find Lisbeth's illustrations for Beedle the Bard subtle and tender, expressive
and dreamy.
The UK Edition is illustrated by British illustrator Chris Riddell. Chris is a
very prolific illustrator, most well-known for his work on the Edge
Chronicles, and his Ottoline and Goth Girl series, as well as several stunning
Illustrated editions of Neil Gaiman's work.
Chris's illustrations for Beedle the Bard
feature many of his delightful distinctive and beautifully detailed
line illustrations. I find Chris is incredibly talented at bringing
characters to life with imaginative illustrations and the fantastic details will
keep you gazing in the book for hours.
The UK edition should also features a spectacular double
fold-out illustration.
The UK Edition is more profusely Illustrated than the US Edition,
particularly when you compare the sections that accompany Dumbledore's
notes on each of the tales.
Here's a quick comparison of both illustrators' different interpretations
of the Ashwinder - a serpent that is created from the
remains of a magical fire that is allowed to remain unchecked - who appears
in the tale 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune'.
Both of the editions are gorgeous. Both are
case bound with no dust jacket, and both appear robust with smyth-sewn
bindings. I've included links to both different editions below as most
countries will only be selling one or the other, and you'll have to import if
want one of the different editions.
I also decided to take this opportunity to
do a quick review of some of the early editions of Beedle the Bard, in case anyone is
interested. The original copies of the book were hand-written and illustrated
by JK Rowling for her friends in 2007. One was optioned off for charity in
bought by Amazon. Amazon then released what was somewhat hilariously advertised
as a limited collector's edition in 2008. Don't get me wrong this edition is
stunning, but they made about a hundred thousand copies which is far larger than
most print runs, so calling it on limited edition is rather a stretch. Nevertheless, it
sold out within about a year, and although it isn't too difficult to find
second hand, it still usually goes for between two to three hundred dollars.
The book is tucked inside a box that's been designed to look like a Hogwart's library textbook.
The Tales of Beedle The Bard comes complete with metal skull corners
and glass replica gemstones, and an emerald ribbon bookmark.
The collector's edition also includes a set of 10 prints of JK Rowling's
illustrations of this edition.
JK Rowlings illustrations appeared in the editions printed after this for
about ten years.
Until a new edition was released in 2017, featuring dust jacket art by Johnny
Duddle, and about 20 black and white interior illustrations by Tomislav Tomic.
Johnny also designed the fantastical Harry Potter dust jackets released in
2014, while Tomislav also designed the Hogwarts map for the children's
editions.
I'd love to know which is your favourite edition, and I welcome you to comment
your thoughts below. Thanks for watching, and I look forward to sharing my next
set of beautiful books with you next time. Bye!