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Tales of Beedle the Bard, The /Harry Potter


The Tales of Beedle the Bard is an interesting collection of wizarding fairy tales that was cute and entertaining. However, I do feel that it is the weakest entry in the Harry Potter collection. That is not to say that it is a bad read at all, I just felt that in comparison to other Harry Potter works, this one falls a bit short.

The tales themselves are ok. I can't quite put my finger on what is missing, but they just do not quite have the feel of classic fairy tales from the Grimm brothers or Hans Christian Andersen. Something about them is just not quite right. I'm not saying that I'm looking for a carbon copy stylistically, but there's just something missing considering that these tales are supposedly handed down from generation to generation of witches and wizards.

The notes on each tale are where this book shines. Personal quips by Dumbledore and Rowling herself are quite nice and give this book the little extra punch that it needs to make it worthy of inclusion in Harry Potter's world.

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I didn't enjoy the parts that Beedle wrote as much either.

I think it's a bit challenging to write something like this, however, and for that I give Ms. Rowling credit. Having just finished Mr. Modesitt's Corean Chronicles, I would compare this to how he did "Views of the Highest".

As you say, Dumbledore's notes are more of what we expect in a Potter book -- and that gives a fun interplay between the two "authors".

I don't know that I've ever actually read any of the Grimm brothers' tales, but I would think Beedle's are appropriately creepy ("Hansel and Gretel" anyone?).

I think a '6' on this book was very generous!!!

It does have some redeeming qualities, but for the most part this book is ONLY there for the money - and I know some of the proceeds go to help HER children's charity, but I think that is a very bad of her (though the charity is a good thing).

This book is currently on sale at Amazon for $9.35, and it will take you about an hour to read it. That is sad!!!

The 'stories' were inane for the most part, and Dumbledore's comments were usually not very great either.

If you have to have this book, I'd really consider trying to find it at a used book store, where it would probably be in the 'Clearance' section. If you feel the need to buy the book, because the proceeds go to HER children's charity, buy the book at the used book store, and send the other $10 or so directly to her charity!