Steve Vander Ark's ‘Lexicon' to Hit Bookstores on January 16
RSSBy Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 12/17/2008
Looks like a print version of The Harry Potter Lexicon may see the light of day after all—albeit a different version than the one originally intended for publication.
RDR Books, says it plans a January 16 release for The Lexicon: An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials, a newly revised book that includes extensive new commentary and other adjustments that don't appear on Steve Vander Ark’s The Harry Potter Lexicon Website.
“The new book is in full compliance with the ruling of New York Federal District Judge Robert Patterson on September 8 regarding an earlier manuscript,” says RDR Publisher Roger Rapoport, “The author has written a new Lexicon that takes into account the judge's ruling.”
In September, U.S. District Judge Robert Patterson ruled in favor of author J.K. Rowling, who sued in November 2007 to stop publication of Vander Ark's book.
RDR, which said in November that it planned to appeal that decision, has dropped that decision.
Commenting on RDR's actions, Neil Blair, Rowling's attorney, told Publishers Weekly in a statement, “We are delighted that this matter is finally and favourably resolved and that J.K. Rowling’s rights—and indeed the rights of all authors of creative works—have been protected. We are also pleased to hear that rather than continue to litigate, RDR have themselves decided to publish a different book prepared with reference to Judge Patterson’s decision.”
The original print version of The Harry Potter Lexicon would have been drawn verbatim from the material on Vander Ark's Website, one of the most comprehensive encyclopedic listings of all things Harry that’s used by people all over the world. Created in 2000 by Vander Ark, a former Michigan school librarian, the resource was so impressive that Rowling has used it herself and gave it a Fan Site Award on her official site. The Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC) has named it one of 15 “Great Web Sites For Kids,” and it was also named a USA Today Hot Site.
“This book offers fascinating analysis, new insights, and a deep appreciation of Rowling’s work,” Rapoport says about the new 400-page book. “This is new and different book with a new focus and purpose.”
The Lexicon will be available nationally through bookstores and other retail outlets, online shops and on the publisher’s Website.
Vander Ark studied library science and media management at Grand Valley State University and worked as a school media specialist for many years in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
The Lexicon will be published in trade paperback at $24.95 (ISBN 978-1-57143-174-5).
For more information, contact RDR Books at (510) 595-0595 or email read@rdrbooks.com.
