The Hobbit

Illustrated by the Author

J. R. R. Tolkien

$89.99 $79.99

Hardback

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English

HarperCollins
20 September 2023

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Classic fiction (pre c 1945); Fantasy; Myth & legend told as fiction; Epic Fantasy; Fantasy

For the first time ever, a special enhanced edition of the enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated throughout with over 50 sketches, drawings, paintings and maps by J. R. R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colours.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit was published on 21 September 1937. With a beautiful cover design, a handful of black & white drawings and two maps by the author himself, the book became an instant success and was reprinted shortly afterwards with five colour plates.

Tolkien’s own selection of finished paintings and drawings have become inseparable from his text, adorning editions of The Hobbit for more than 85 years. But the published art has afforded only a glimpse of Tolkien’s creative process, and many additional sketches, coloured drawings and maps – although exhibited and published elsewhere – have never appeared within the pages of The Hobbit.

In this unique enhanced edition of Tolkien’s enchanting classic tale, the full panoply of his art is reproduced for the first time, presenting more than 50 illustrations to accompany Bilbo Baggins on his adventure ‘there and back again’.

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Imprint: HarperCollins
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Illustrated edition
Dimensions: Height: 228mm, Width: 149mm, Spine: 38mm
Weight: 1.380kg
ISBN: 9780008627782
ISBN 10: 0008627789
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 20 September 2023
Recommended Age: From 9 to 11 years
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 60 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide. J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 60 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Reviews for The Hobbit: Illustrated by the Author

‘One of the most influential books of our generation’ The Times ‘Finely written saga of dwarves and elves, fearsome goblins and trolls … an exciting epic of travel, magical adventure, working up to a devastating climax’ The Observer ‘The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and those who are going to read them’ Sunday Times ‘One of the best loved characters in English fiction … a marvellous fantasy adventure’ Daily Mail ‘A flawless masterpiece’ The Times