[Eventine]

What can anyone tell me about this book?
I saw a nice little bound hardcover version of this book in the shop the other day, but I'm not quite sure if it's worth buying.
I've seen JohnH's comments on it, but I'm not really sure what it is? Novella? Short story? Excerpt from an upcoming novel?
Will the current hardcover be the only edition?

[Hobbit]

Yes - an intriguing one for Christmas, Eventine. It is a short book - 64 pages. It is cheaper than most HB's and is basically a map of Lyra's Oxford (hence the title! :) ) a new short story after the events of His Dark Materials (Lyra and the Birds), a short brochure for a cruise to The Levant aboard the SS Zenobia and a postcard from the inventor of the Amber Spyglass, Mary Malone.

Nicely packaged but not an introduction to the series. More of an additional background filler, just in time for Christmas. :) Has annoyed some fans for seeming to be no more than a chapter of a book.

The Book of Dust, Pullman's next, is rumoured to be sometime next year, though I think it has been delayed already - almost up to George RR Martin's standards! :D

Hobbit

[Eventine]

At $30 here it's half as much again as your average paperback. I'll have to think about it - I've been going a bit sillier than usual buying books lately.

Thanks for the info Hobbit. It's definitely a nice looking little book!