The Hobbit

6W J. R. R. Tolkien. Forward by Christopher Tolkien. NYC: Harper Collins, 2023. Deluxe Slipcase Edition.

Notes

The Hobbit, first published in 1937, is the beloved fantasy novel by J. R. R. Tolkien that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit whose peaceful life is interrupted when he joins the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the journey Bilbo encounters trolls, goblins, elves, and the mysterious creature Gollum, discovering courage and resourcefulness he never knew he possessed. Blending adventure, humor, and mythic storytelling, The Hobbit became an enduring classic and later served as the gateway to Tolkien’s larger epic, The Lord of the Rings.

J. R. R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was not only the author of the story but also the illustrator of many early editions of The Hobbit. His original drawings—including maps of Middle-earth, decorative chapter headings, and atmospheric illustrations such as “Hill: Hobbiton-across-the-Water”—helped visually shape the world he created. Tolkien’s illustrations, often simple yet evocative, reflect his background as a scholar of language and mythology as well as his interest in medieval art and design. These images have become closely associated with the earliest editions of the book and remain an important part of its visual and artistic legacy.

The 2023 deluxe illustrated slipcased edition reflects the continued publishing legacy of The Hobbit more than eighty years after its original appearance. Finely produced with illustrations and careful design, the volume celebrates the visual and literary tradition surrounding Tolkien’s beloved tale of adventure in Middle-earth. The foreword discusses the history of important earlier printings, including the 50th anniversary edition issued in 1987, illustrating how successive editions have helped introduce new generations of readers to Tolkien’s enduring story.

Description

Black canvas binding with green leather spine. Gilt and green foil design to upper cover and gilt to spine. Gilt edges. Green canvas slipcase with circle window to the design on the book’s upper cover. Gilt lettering surrounding circle. With loosely inserted fold out map. Includes a green paperback additional text Mathoms: A treasury of writings, including a brief history of, and other world related to The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.