Books

Complete second edition of each title of Tolkien� s epic, best-selling Lord of the Rings Trilogy with a later edition of The Hobbit. Octavo, 4 volumes, bound in contemporary red morocco with morocco spine labels and motifs onlaid in six compartments within raised bands, matching motifs stamped in blind on the front panel of volume, marbled endpapers to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, illustrated with drawings and folding maps. Signed by the binder, Jean Gladstone-Goodwin, on the verso of inserted custom-made title pages�of typescript, pen and ink. In good condition with rubbing to the spine and extremities of each volume, a few abrasions to the front and rear panels of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, sunning to the front panel of The Return of the King, detached title pages to The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, some rippling to the front free endpaper of The Return of the King, and a few loose endpapers in The Hobbit. "In enchanted Middle-earth, a small, comfort-loving Hobbit is awakened from his slumbers by a visitor who tells of lost treasure. Before Bilbo Baggins returns home again, he journeys past wizards and elves, talkative trees and treasure-guarding dragons, all swirling in cosmic battle between good and evil. J.R.R. Tolkien's fully realized fantasy world won over generations of children, and dazzled adults with its deft interweaving of medieval legend and made-up languages, maps, and creatures. Tolkien legitimized the modern fantasy genre, and provided the 1960's counterculture with antiwar, back-to-Eden icons" (NYPL Books of the Century 199). � Professor Tolkien� s epic of Middle Earth� � [is] one of [the twentieth] century� s lasting contributions to that borderland of literature between youth and age. There are few such books� "Gulliver� s Travels, The Pilgrim� s Progress, Robinson Crusoe, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows� "what else?� � [They are] destined to become this century� s contribution to that select list of books which continue through the ages to be read by children and adults with almost equal pleasure� (Eyre, 67, 134-5).

"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.