Cover for final Harry Potter book unveiled

For hungrily waiting Harry Potter fans, Wednesday's release of the cover art for the U.S. edition of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is like tantalizing aromas from the kitchen.

By Maria Elena Baca, Star Tribune

Last update: March 28, 2007 - 8:24 PM

For hungrily waiting Harry Potter fans, Wednesday's release of the cover art for the U.S. edition of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is like tantalizing aromas from the kitchen.

The cover of the seventh and final Harry Potter book was created by Mary Grand Pre, the former St. Paul artist who has illustrated all of the Potter books.

The panoramic wraparound cover is the most detailed yet. The front illustration shows Harry in a crowded coliseum. He is reaching up, green eyes focused on something out of sight. On its back, we can see the face of Lord Voldemort himself, reaching a clawlike, long-fingered hand toward Harry.

The J.K. Rowling's fantasy series about the boy wizard has sold more than 325 million copies worldwide. "Deathly Hallows" has an announced first printing of 12 million in the United States alone. It will be released at 12:01 a.m. July 21.

Bloomsbury, Potter author J.K. Rowling's British publisher, also released two cover illustrations for their children's and adult editions.

MARIA ELENA BACA

VIEW ONLINE

To explore the new cover, go to www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/books/hallows/index.htm.

To see the covers of the British editions, go to www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter.

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Ghost writer

Here are some of Books Editor Laurie Hertzel's favorite sites and blogs. Got a literary link to share? E-mail Laurie.

Reading Minnesota A blog that features Minnesota writers, illustrators, publishers, bookstores, and reviewers.
Talk of the Stacks An author series from the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
Poets & Writers The website for Poets and Writers Magazine--podcasts, author interviews, and writing resources.
Creative Writing A place to keep apprised of writing competitions in the United States.
Gather Minnesota Readers The Website for Minnesota Public Radio's books blog.
The Loft Literary Center The Website for the Loft, a local place for writers and readers.
Good Reads A way to track what you're reading, and what your friends are reading.
Lost Manuscripts Just what it sounds like - a blog (sporadically updated) devoted to missing and destroyed manuscripts.
Maud Newton Very hip, reviews, links, a little attitude.
bookreporter.com A plethora of online book reviews and reading guides.
Rain Taxi Rain Taxi Review of Books.