The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Standard Edition

In December 2007, J.K. Rowling unveiled The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a very special book of five fairy tales illustrated by the bard herself, embellished with silver ornaments and mounted moonstones. Amazon was fortunate to come into possession of one of the original copies, and it was our privilege to share images and reviews of this incredible artifact. Now J.K. Rowling is giving millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide cause for celebration with a new edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, available December 4, 2008.

Offering the trademark wit and imagination familiar to Rowling's legions of readers--as well as Aesop's wisdom and the occasional darkness of the Brothers Grimm--each of these five tales reveals a lesson befitting children and parents alike: the strength gained with a trusted friendship, the redemptive power of love, and the true magic that exists in the hearts of all of us. Rowling's new introduction also comments on the personal lessons she has taken from the Tales, noting that the characters in Beedle's collection "take their fates into their own hands, rather than taking a prolonged nap or waiting for someone to return a lost shoe," and "that magic causes as much trouble as it cures."

But the true jewel of this new edition is the enlightening and comprehensive commentary (including extensive footnotes!) by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who brings his unique wizard's-eye perspective to the collection. Discovered "among the many papers which Dumbledore left in his will to the Hogwarts Archives," the venerable wizard's ruminations on the Tales allow today's readers to place them in the context of 16th century Muggle society, even allowing that "Beedle was somewhat out of step with his times in preaching a message of brotherly love for Muggles" during the era of witch hunts that would eventually drive the wizarding community into self-imposed exile. In fact, versions of the same stories told in wizarding households would shock many for their uncharitable treatment of their Muggle characters.

Professor Dumbledore also includes fascinating historical backstory, including tidbits such as the history and pursuit of magic wands, a brief comment on the Dark Arts and its practitioners, and the struggles with censorship that eventually led "a certain Beatrix Bloxam" to cleanse the Tales of "much of the darker themes that she found distasteful," forever altering the meaning of the stories for their Muggle audience. Dumbledore also allows us a glimpse of his personal relationship to the Tales, remarking that it was through "Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump" that "many of us [wizards] first discovered that magic could not bring back the dead."

Both a wise and delightful addition to the Harry Potter canon, this new translation of The Tales of Beedle the Bard is all that fans could hope for and more--and an essential volume for the libraries of Muggles, wizards, and witches, both young and old.

The Children's Voice Campaign
Children's High Level Group The Tales of Beedle the Bard is published by The Children’s High Level Group (CHLG), registered charity number 1112575, a charity co-founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling and Emma Nicholson MEP to make life better for vulnerable children.

All net proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Children's Voice campaign.

The Children's Voice campaign is run by CHLG. It campaigns for child rights across Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe where over a million children and teenagers are growing up in institutions, often in unacceptable conditions. In most cases they are without adequate human or emotional contact and stimulation, while many only just survive without life's basics such as adequate shelter and food.

CHLG's Children's Voice campaign helps around a quarter of a million children each year through education activities; outreach work in institutions; and a dedicated telephone and email help line.

Also Available: The Collector's Edition, Offered Exclusively by Amazon
Amazon is thrilled to be the exclusive seller of the Collector's Edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard featuring an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction, 10 new illustrations, metalwork and clasp, replica gemstones, and tucked in its own case disguised as a wizarding textbook from the Hogwarts library. (Available in limited quantities)

Standard Edition Product Features:
• All five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard
• A new introduction by J.K. Rowling
• Illustrations reproduced from the original handcrafted book
• Commentary on each of the tales by Professor Albus Dumbledore

The Revolution: A Manifesto

From Publishers Weekly

Congressman, Republican Presidential candidate and author Paul (A Foreign Policy of Freedom) says "Let the revolution begin" with this libertarian plea for a return to "the principles of our Founding Fathers: liberty, self-government, the Constitution, and a noninterventionist foreign policy." Specific examples demonstrate how far U.S. law has strayed from this path, particularly over the past century, as well as Paul's firm grasp of history and dedication to meaningful debate: "it is revolutionary to ask whether we need troops in 130 countries... whether the accumulation of more and more power in Washington has been good for us...to ask fundamental questions about privacy, police-state measures, taxation, social policy." Though he can rant, Paul is informative and impassioned, giving readers of any political bent food for thought. With harsh words for both Democrats and Republicans, and especially George W. Bush, Paul's no-nonsense text questions the "imperialist" foreign policy that's led to the war in Iraq ("one of the most ill considered, poorly planned, and... unnecessary military conflicts in American history"), the economic situation and rampant federalism treading on states' rights and identities ("The Founding Fathers did not intend for every American neighborhood to be exactly the same"). Though his policy suggestions can seem extreme, Paul's book gives new life to old debates.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Review
"The real truth about Liberty. This book takes a wrecking ball to the political establishment. Senator Goldwater would have loved it -- it's The Conscience of a Conservative for the 21st century." (Barry M. Goldwater, Jr., former member of Congress )

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Product Details

* Hardcover: 192 pages
* Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 2008)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0446537519
* ISBN-13: 978-0446537513
* Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
* Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
* Average Customer Review:

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4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (722 customer reviews)

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Sedaris's sparkling essays always shimmer more brightly when read aloud by the author. And his expert timing, mimicry and droll asides are never more polished than during live performances in front of an audience. Happily, four of the 22 pieces are live recordings, and listeners can hear Sedaris's energy increase from the roaring, rolling laughter of the appreciative audience. Sedaris's studio recording of his 10-page Of Mice and Men runs 16 minutes, while the live recording of Town and Country, which runs the same length in print, expands to 22 minutes thanks to an audience that often doesn't let him finish a sentence without making him pause for laughter to subside.

The studio recordings usually begin with an acoustic bass and brief sound effect (a buzzing fly, the lighting of a cigarette, the clinking of ice in a drink, etc.). Sedaris's brilliant magnum opus, The Smoking Section (about his successful trip to Tokyo is quit smoking) stretches across the final two CDs. A Little, Brown hardcover (Reviews, Apr. 28). (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

From AudioFile
In David Sedaris's excellent latest collection, cringe-worthy moments follow on the heels of laugh-out-loud ones--you may never buy another pair of thrift-store pants, for example, and that's only the beginning. The stories jump back and forth in time and locale--Sedaris is in middle school, in college, in his grown, professional life; now North Carolina, now New York, now Normandy. The constant is Sedaris's narration, and that's why his delivery works so well with his words--every absurdity is made more believable (if not more palatable) thanks to his steady reading. He sounds incredulous and world-weary all at the same time. Death may be a recurring theme in these essays, but listeners will chuckle helplessly all the same. Track listings with titles are helpfully printed on the CDs, so it's easy to go back and find favorites again. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

The Best Book on the Market: How to stop worrying and love the free economy

"…Chancellor Geoffrey Howe…has endorsed a new tome by Adam Smith Institute boss Eamonn Butler on the power of free markets." (The Evening Standard, Monday 31st March 2008)

"…Chancellor Geoffrey Howe…has endorsed a new tome by Adam Smith Institute boss Eamonn Butler on the power of free markets." (The Evening Standard, Monday 31st March 2008)
"...well written...full of rather good anecdotes about markets" (Dr Grumble Blog, September 26, 2008)
"The best book on markets ever! Buy this book or sink in the global economy!" TheMarketingHouse.org Monday 30 June 2008 "Eamonn Butler takes the reader on a tour de force around the realities of markets, providing practical guidance". AdamSmithsLostLegacy.com Monday 2 June 2008 "...a very interesting read and a great introduction for anyone who wants an insight into the market economy." BBC's Working Lunch online "A provocative read." Total Politics August 2008 "Ideal for general readers, the book uses everyday examples and addresses social issues such as sweatshops and fair trade."Moneywise June 2008 "Witty and easy to understand, it challenges the mathematic, quasi-scientific way that economics is often taught"InvisibleHand.nl Friday 25 April 2008 "Anything which educates the public and politicians...on how the free economy actually works...is always welcome. Dr. Butler does this in style." Atlasusa.org Thursday 10 April 2008 "Anything which educates the public and politicians...on how the free economy actually works...is always welcome. Dr. Butler does this in style." Atlasusa.org Thursday 10 April 2008

Product Description
The free market makes the world go around. Maybe it’s time we all tried to understand it a little better. Luckily Eamonn Butler is the ideal teacher to get us all up to speed.

Markets are everywhere. But how many of us understand how they work, and why? What does a ‘free market’ really mean? Do free markets actually exist? Should we have more or less of them? Most of all – do we really need to know all this? Answer: Yes we do.

MAKING ECONOMICS SIMPLE SO THAT EVEN POLITICIANS CAN UNDERSTAND IT

If any mention of free markets sends your mind screaming back to your musty old school economics textbook, think again. The Best Book on the Market will keep you gripped, intrigued and well informed. Abandoning complicated mumbo-jumbo, Eamonn Butler, Director of the UK’s leading free market think-tank, demystifies the world of markets, competition, monopolies and cartels, prices and overspills. Using examples from our everyday lives Dr Butler explains how the markets we have, and the many more we need, can work to create a richer, freer and more peaceful world.

STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE FREE ECONOMY

He delves into the morality of markets and interrogates important issues such as why feckless rock-stars are paid much more than worthy nurses; whether we should worry about people trading in arms, water, healthcare etc; whether black markets are immoral; and questions of equality; sweatshops, and fair trade.
“This book is about the free market and how unfree it can be when there is a lack of belief in freedom itself. Eamonn Butler presents solid arguments against government attempts to ‘perfect’ the markets by regulation, controls, subsidies, or by adopting measures which obstruct competition and private ownership.”

The Best Seller!: The New Psychology of Selling and Persuading People

THE BEST SELLER is an easy reading book, I use it to train our new sales people. Ron Willingham's insight and wit make this the primer of all sales training books. If you have some one that needs to understand the sales process before you send them out into the world, this IS the book for them(and you)!

The Best Seller really should be! I have been reading and re-reading this book for the last 2 months. I am following his direction (as best I can) and I feel like it is begining to work. The book is well written and gets you motivated for anouther day. I am a self-employed rock sculptor, with a fairly limited sales background. I know my product well but I didn't know how to speak to people well. Ron takes you through step by step. I read it over and over and do the exercises. I plan to keep doing it for the next year. Don't buy this book if you are just looking for some good reading. Buy this book if you want to commit to succeed, and work on it long enough to do it. Thanks Mr Willingham! I am going to buy anouther of your books!

Graves in the Wilderness

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Texas, 1850's: Diego, born N'kawa to a family of Karankawa natives, is facing near death. His entire clan, ambushed by a merciless mob of Comanche aggressors, has been heartlessly exterminated, and, as the sole remaining survivor, he is suddenly face-to-face with the bloodthirsty wrath of his pursuers...

Out of nowhere, a group of ranchers led by Mac Campbell happen upon the scene of the slaughter, fortuitously dispatching of the Comanche warriors, the last one of which is slain by the young upstart, Piper, Mac's son. Diego initially refuses assistance from the ranchers in burying his family and comrades, but he soon makes his way to the family ranch in Argyll, ultimately being adopted by the Campbells and becoming the honorary half-brother of Piper himself.

The bond between the two young men strengthens considerably, keeping each one sane throughout the coming trials and tribulations: the ravages of the Civil War, the torrid instability that follows, and the eventual deaths of every other member of the Campbell clan. Before long, Piper and Diego resolve to escape the confines of their sorrows and venture out into the world, visiting lands they've never seen and embarking on adventures long dreamed.

Settling in a still-developing Australia, the brothers soon find themselves in the midst of yet another tumultuous time, but even with their combined wisdom and experience, neither is prepared for the tragedy and heartbreak soon to come...

Graves In The Wilderness is a touching tale of loyalty and triumph over adversity. An enthralling read, Gordon does a superb job of compacting a very action-packed, fast-paced read within the greater framework of a engaging, sentimental narrative. Furthermore, his knowledge of historical events and indigenous culture are more than impressive.

Graves's most salient attribute: the strength and resiliency of the human spirit. Despite their losses of family and possessions, Piper and Diego never succumb to bitterness or hate, but instead remained committed to continuing to help the less fortunate, even at the cost of their own lives. Such gallantry is a rare find in any day and age, so Gordon's depictions of it in the embodiments of the Campbell brothers is both welcoming and refreshing.

Graves In The Wilderness is a highly recommended read for fans of good old fashioned historical dramas - and, if you're not already a fan, this book will surely make you a new convert.

Halliwell's Who's Who in the Movies

From Booklist Halliwell's has been a reference brand name for more than 40 years. This guide, a British publication, revised and replaced the familiar Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion and provides entries on actors, directors, producers, writers, and others involved in making movies. More than 13,000 individuals are listed, and entries contain, at minimum, personal dates, a brief descriptive phrase ("Australian leading actress"), and a chronological listing of films (with significant films italicized) and notable appearances in television series. Some entries may contain fuller biographical information, a quote, and commentary; that for Daniel Craig notes his elevation to 007 status and says, "The release of Casino Royale will tell whether it was a wise choice or a misstep in the manner of George Lazenby." Appendixes house material that was once part of the main A-Z arrangement in Filmgoer's Companion, such as entries for "Movie Remakes, Series, Themes and Genres"; a glossary of technical and critical terms; a somewhat random and not consistently up-to-date survey of national cinemas; and lists of award winners.

Product Description

Now in its 15th edition, this classic movie reference, formerly known as The Filmgoer's Companion, has informed and delighted film fans for more than thirty years. Opinionated, witty, and packed with more information per square inch than any other film guide, Halliwell's Who's Who in the Movies is as wonderfully unclassifiable as it is impossible to put down.

Who's Who remains a treasure trove of information on who's who and what's what in the movies. Its more than 12,000 entries illuminate the stars of yesterday and today as well as the bit players and character actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, composers, and all the other talent involved in making movies. You'll find sections on movie sequels, series, and remakes; themes and genres; technical terms; studios and production companies; cinema around the world; year-by-year listings of Oscar winners and other major awards; and a brief history of the movies from Chaplin to Carrey, Garbo to Kidman, Capra to Cameron.

This updated edition features hundreds of new entries and offers scores of "quotable quotes," ranging from the revealing to the revolting; in addition to being exceedingly entertaining, they add a human dimension missing from every other guide to film facts and figures. Upholding the outstanding tradition of Leslie Halliwell, editor John Walker delivers the lively humor and keen insight that have always been the hallmarks of Halliwell's.