Books

The Hobbit, 1976 Folio 1st Impression, with the title page showing the George Allen & Unwin imprint and the verso shows the full Allen & Unwin print history. This is one of the two variants of the first Folio Society edition of The Hobbit. The book is in Near Fine condition without any scrapes or scuffs on the spine. The textblock is clean and bright, Near Fine in condition. The slipcase has protected the book well over the years. So this is the true 1st printing of the 1st Folio Edition, with the Folio 1979 maroon colored edition being the 2nd printing of the Folio edition (per Hammond). Lacking the Folio title page, this book is internally identical to the 1976 A&U Deluxe edition! Per Hammond, the Folio Society was to take the Deluxe edition papers and remove certain pages from the beginning (title page, copyright pg, etc) and replace them with the Folio pages. However, some very few of the books were bound by the Folio Society with all of the original Deluxe pages included and not replaced with Folio pages, but with the binding being the Folio format. Very Scarce indeed! Gilt is still bright and untarnished on this book, lacking the normal scrapes and scuffing to the leather on the spine. Very unusual and hard to find. Additional digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.

"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.