Title: The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again
Author: Tolkien, J. R. R.
Publication: Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1987.
Description: A Fine, collectible copy of the 50th anniversary edition (1987) of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," in slipcase and sealed in original shrink wrap. "The Hobbit," written and illustrated by Tolkien, tells the classic story of Bilbo Baggins and his quest, undertaken with the dwarves, to recover Erebor and its treasures from the dragon Smaug.
First published in 1937, this is the 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition, published in 1987 with a copyright of 1966. Since this copy is sealed, it is not possible to ascertain whether this is a first printing or the book club edition of the 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. Bound in full gold leatherette, stamped in red and green on the front cover and the spine, complete with gold leatherette slipcase with paper label printed in black and green. Runes on the spine read "The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien," and runes on the front cover read "The Hobbit or There and Back Again, Being the Record of a Year's Journey of Bilbo Baggins, Compiled From His Memoirs." Includes color illustrations and maps. 9.5 x 7.125 inches; xvi, 320 pages.
Minor bumping to slipcase corners and head of spine; several small nicks to the shrink wrap, not affecting the slipcase. Overall, a Fine, collectible copy with a pleasing shelf appearance.
Reference: TolkienBooks.US, An Illustrated U.S. Tolkien Bibliography.
