On eBay, Jerry Biederman recently auctioned the original copy of a 300-word unfinished story by Roald Dahl for $1,900. It was part of an uncompleted 30-year-old project.
According to Publisher’s Weekly, Biederman and his partner sought short unfinished stories from famous kidlit authors for a Do-It-Yourself Children’s Storybook–a book that allowed children to finish the stories themselves. Dahl (pictured) submitted a short piece called The Eyes of Mr. Croaker. Other authors who participated include Richard Adams, P.L. Travers, Madeleine L’Engle, and Joan Aiken.
Now Biederman intends to create an interactive version of the original 1980s project, hoping to solicit contemporary authors like J.K. Rowling for contributions.
The article had this quote from Biederman: “This was the only story Dahl wrote that was to be completed by his fans…It seemed wrong that Dahl’s wish to have The Eyes of Mr. Croaker finished by his fans had not yet been fulfilled. I felt like his legacy would only be complete when his story is complete. I have an overwhelming need to have Dahl’s story finally see the light of day.”