The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, a 248-page hardcover encyclopedia on the Legend of Zelda universe being published by Dark Horse, went up for pre-order at Amazon yesterday, quickly shooting up the site’s Top 100 Best Sellers in books list where it currently sits at #1.

In case that doesn’t seem ultra-newsworthy to you, let me stress that it’s actually a major feat, considering to get there The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia had to knock Fifty Shades, E.L. James’ long-reigning, wildly popular S&M-heavy book series, from the top spot.

And how do the folks over at Dark Horse feel about their upcoming book bumping Fifty Shades out of the #1 spot: “…Someone had to do it!,” said Aub Driver, publicity coordinator for Dark Horse Comics, who also told us that the publisher is “thrilled to see geek, video game and pop culture enthusiasts embrace this highly sought after title with so much love.”

“I’m just glad Dark Horse Comics and Nintendo could make it happen together,” said Driver, who enthusiastically posted a screenshoot to his Facebook account earlier today of Amazon’s Best Sellers book page showing Hyrule Historia at the very top of the book list. (Our own screenshot of the page, taken minutes before our story was posted, is here just below.) “This is a huge book for us as the premier publisher of video game titles and we’re going to give the fans everything they’ve wanted and more.”

Details regarding The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, which has a pre-order price at Amazon of $20.99 (that’s 40% off the list price of $34.99), were leaked this week in advance of Dark Horse’s planned announcement at next weekend’s PAX Prime gaming convention in Seattle. Dark Horse confirmed today that they will be publishing an English translation of the Japanese version of the book for release in January 2013 for North America, UK, and Australia. (The Japanese version come out in Japan in late 2011).

“Fans have been waiting for solid year to see a legitimate English translation from a publisher that will give them the best possible book and they’re finally getting the chance to hold the history of Zelda in their hands,” explained Driver.

The publisher also clarified that the cover image currently circulating online was not the final one for the book, but rather a placeholder for solicitation purposes. Below is the official description and final cover for the book.

As previously mentioned, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is available now for pre-order at Amazon, and remember – every pre-order for Hyrule Historia keeps Shades from making it back to the top! If you’re so inclined, you can also pre-order from TFAW for $27.99.

Official Description

Dark Horse Books and Nintendo team up to bring you The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, containing an unparalleled collection of historical information on The Legend of Zelda franchise. This handsome hardcover contains never-before-seen concept art, the full history of Hyrule, the official chronology of the games, and much more! Starting with an insightful introduction by the legendary producer and video-game designer of Donkey Kong, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, this book is crammed full of information about the storied history of Link’s adventures from the creators themselves! As a bonus, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia includes an exclusive comic by the foremost creator of The Legend of Zelda manga – Akira Himekawa!

“¢ The full history and making of the The Legend of Zeldaâ„¢ franchise, never-before-seen concept art!

“¢ Introduction by Shigeru Miyamoto!

On sale Jan 16
FC, 248 pages
$34.99
HC, 9″ x 12”

Cover Image