reported by Brian Scott, FictionFanatic.com

For the first time since they began ravaging the New York Times bestseller lists 353 weeks ago, the books in A Series of Unfortunate Events are being released in paperback next Tuesday, May 8, 2007. If you know anything about Lemony Snicket's chronicles of the Baudelaire orphans, you know they are filled with treachery, misery, murder, legal research, kidnapping, hook-handed henchmen, and itchy clothing. Despite this, over 55 million copies of A Series of Unfortunate Events have been sold around the world.

Drawing inspiration from the pulpy penny dreadfuls of the 19th century, the new editions of Snicket's first two books are now in paperback as "No. 1: The Bad Beginning or, Orphans!" and "No. 2: The Reptile Room or, Murder!" A handsome new look and stunning all-new artwork by series illustrator Brett Helquist add to the temptation. Worst of all, every paperback book culminates in "HarperCollins's The Cornucopian Cavalcade," a free serial supplement of Snickety comics, advice, activities, and stories certain to corrupt even the most innocent mind.

Like turn-of-the-century circulars, "HarperCollins's The Cornucopian Cavalcade" is filled with extraordinary design and outrageous ideas. It includes "The Spoily Brats" a serialized graphic novel about a pair of detective siblings by acclaimed artist Michael Kupperman; a grimly hilarious advice column by Mr. Snicket himself, entitled "What Shall I Do, Lemony Snicket?"; and serialized stories by Mr. Snicket's literary forbearers. We dare not mention the magic tricks, foul weather activities, or advertisements for electric socks.

Lemony Snicket is the author of the thirteen books in A Series of Unfortunate Events, which have sold more than 55 million copies worldwide in 40 languages, or possibly vice versa. Mr. Snicket is represented in all legal, literary, and social matters by Daniel Handler, who has also written three novels for adults, The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, and Adverbs. You can visit Lemony Snicket online at http://www.lemonysnicket.com/.