Books

Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1959. 2nd Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine/Very Good Plus. J.R.R. Tolkien. 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin in 1959, from sheets printed in Great Britain. The book is in Near Fine condition, with no soiling to the covers. No previous owners names nor any other writing, offsetting or foxing noted. The boards are clean and bright, no bumped corners, no other markings or shelfwear noted. The color is light green cloth with blue stamping of Title to front boards. Blue stamped Title, Dwarves Hat, Author and publisher to the spine. The title verso has the full printing history up to this Eleventh impression of 1959, and the price clipped dustjacket is correctly marked as the 11th impression. The dustjacket is in Very Good Plus condition, with some loss and rubbing to the edges, the top and bottom of the spine show a bit of rubbing with some color loss and minor chipping.…

"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.