Books

London: The Folio Society, 2001-2003. [Fantasy] DELUXE LIMITED EDITIONS, all later impressions thus. Complete in five volumes. Octavo (24 x 15 x 24cm), pp.[4] 245 [5]; pp.[6] 459 [5]; pp.[4] 372 [4]; pp.[2] 487 [3]; pp.[4] 420 [4]. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have a wood engraved frontispiece and chapter head pieces by Fraser and Grathmer to each volume, and The Silmarillion has a frontispiece and head pieces by Mosley. Number 1467 of 1750 sets thus, bound by Smith Settle of Otley, Yorkshire, in quarter Wassa goatskin with hand-woven Indian silk over boards, and gilt titles to spines designed by John Andrew. Top edges gilt, with maps of Middle Earth and the Shire to endpapers, and a large folding map of Beleriand to The Silmarillion. Each presented in the publisher's original brown morocco-covered slipcase, titled and decorated in gilt to one side. Lovely crisp, clean copies showing only the lightest hints of handling. Essentially fine. The Folio Society's illustrated…

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a fantasy novel that follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives a quiet and comfortable life in the Shire. Bilbo is unexpectedly visited by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. They seek Bilbo's help in reclaiming their homeland, Erebor, which has been taken over by the fearsome dragon Smaug. Reluctant at first, Bilbo eventually joins the quest as the group's burglar. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including encounters with trolls, goblins, spiders, and elves. Bilbo discovers a magic ring that grants him the power of invisibility, which aids the group in their escape from various dangers. As the journey progresses, Bilbo develops his courage and resourcefulness, proving instrumental in several critical situations. The company faces adversity in the form of hostile creatures and internal conflicts, but they continue their journey toward the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug hoards vast treasures. Upon reaching the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo uses his wit and the ring's power to outsmart Smaug, causing the dragon to be slain by a local hero named Bard. However, conflict arises as other parties, including men, elves, and goblins, lay claim to the treasure. A battle ensues, known as the Battle of the Five Armies, involving dwarves, elves, men, goblins, and wargs. In the midst of the chaos, Bilbo plays a pivotal role in resolving the conflict and preventing further bloodshed. After the battle, Bilbo returns home to the Shire, forever changed by his adventures. He realizes that while he has gained riches and experiences, the most valuable treasure he possesses is the personal growth and bravery he discovered during his unexpected journey. "The Hobbit" is a tale of courage, friendship, and personal transformation, set in Tolkien's intricately crafted world of Middle-earth. It serves as a prelude to his epic masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings," and remains a beloved classic in the realm of fantasy literature.