October 2nd marks the release of the 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray edition of The Princess Bride. This has been a favourite movie of many and the Blu-Ray release promises many great additions and special features. But what a lot of people don’t know is that this was originally a book by William Goldman, published in 1973.
It is actually presented as an abridgement (the good parts only version) to a longer version of The Princess Bride written by an S. Morgenstern, but no such “long” version exists. He claims not to have changed anything from the original text, except that he added a reunion between the two main characters, Buttercup and Wesley. Goldman teases the readers even more by suggesting that there is a sequel entitled, Buttercup’s Baby.
Over the years, we’ve had many people come in and ask for the book (which we own), and several who have requested the sequel. Even though the book is a fantasy with comedic leanings, some people are still surprised that this was all a joke. And really, wouldn’t a second book be a good thing? It might even spur on some sales for the first book! Goldman has admitted in the past that he believes The Princess Bride was a one-off, that he can’t come up with enough great ideas for the second book to even get started (although he had promised the sequel in time for the 35th anniversary of the book–2009). I say, Goldman, get writing! You’ll never see what you can accomplish if you don’t try!
So, enjoy watching your anniversary edition of the movie. And as they say, if you rush a miracle, you get rotten miracles. Take your time, Goldman!
