Seattle (WA) - Amazon.com was represented in an auction in Sotheby's yesterday, and the online retailer became the proud owner of a never-before-released handwritten book from J.K. Rowling, for around $4 million.

The book is an illustrated tale of wizardry called "The Tales of Beedle the Bard".  It was mentioned in the final Harry Potter book as belonging to Hermione, Harry's friend.

Hazlitt, Gooden, and Fox, a London dealer, bid on behalf of Amazon, taking it all the way up to 1.95 million pounds ($3.98 million).  The proceeds will go to Rowling's co-founded charity Children's Voice, a European organization to help battled children.  Amazon has posted pictures of the book on its website.

"J.K. Rowling had done the world a rare and immeasurably valuable service -- enlarging forever our concept of the way books can touch people -- and in particular children -- in modern times," said Amazon.com CEO John Bezos.

I feel sorry for battled children also. Kids should...

Dec 14, 2007 10:19     

I feel sorry for battled children also. Kids should not be forced into battle.
Brandon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Cads!

Dec 14, 2007 10:53     

Where are the sad excuses of human beings that battle children? Those who battle children should be battled themselves...with bigger battles. And a big 'thank you' to J.K. Rowling for bringing our attention to battled children, they were probably battled for not believing that Dumbledore is gay...silly battled children
The Hero of Canton report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

First step to organization's success.. recognition

Dec 14, 2007 12:37     

Thusly.. wtf are battled children and with said incomprehension if this "issue" these children are facing, just how much attention are they not receiving based solely on poor naming of their organization? o.O
Matthew report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

i battle children every day

Dec 14, 2007 23:44     

trust me, those school kids on public transport need no support.
skythra report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0