The Hobbit : Illustrated by the Author- Hardcover

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

The Story

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely venturing further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when the wizard Gandalf and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive unexpectedly on his doorstep. Together, they whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again’.

Their mission? To raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

A Timeless Classic

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

Tolkien’s finished paintings and drawings have since become inseparable from his text, adorning editions of The Hobbit for more than 85 years.

What Makes This Edition Unique?

While Tolkien’s art has been featured in previous editions, this enhanced edition offers something truly special:

• More than 50 illustrations, including sketches, coloured drawings, and maps.
• A reproduction of Tolkien’s creative process, with artwork that has been exhibited or published elsewhere but never before included within the pages of The Hobbit.

This is the first time the full range of Tolkien’s art is presented alongside the text, bringing Bilbo Baggins’ adventure ‘there and back again’ to life like never before.

This edition is a must-have for fans of Tolkien, lovers of classic fiction, and anyone enchanted by the rich world of Middle-earth.

• Hardback
• 384 pages, 20 b/w, 36 col illus