{"product_id":"the-history-of-the-hobbit-part-one-mr-baggins-j-r-r-tolkien-amp-john-d-rateliff","title":"The History of the Hobbit, Part One: Mr. Baggins, J.R.R. Tolkien \u0026 John D. Rateliff","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe History of the Hobbit, Part One: Mr. Baggins, J.R.R. Tolkien \u0026amp; John D. Rateliff — First Edition \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: London, HarperCollins, 2007\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8vo, pp. [xxxix], 467.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e: Near Fine. The book presents exceptionally well, bound in the publisher's original black cloth which remains exceedingly sharp and clean, with unbumped corners and no discernible shelf-wear. The spine's copper gilt tooling remains uniformly bright and entirely unoxidised. Internally, the binding is square, firm, and robust. The text block is pleasingly bright, with the pages remaining crisp, unmarked, and free from foxing or spotting, culminating in a highly attractive reading and collecting copy. The original dust jacket is equally impressive, unclipped, and protected in a removable clear mylar sleeve, showing only the most trivial signs of handling with a vibrant, unfaded presentation and an original retail sticker neatly affixed to the rear panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: This is a true first edition, first impression of the first volume, bearing the requisite \"1\" on the number line of the publisher's imprint page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis volume provides a comprehensive exploration of Tolkien’s early drafts, enriched by the author's own original illustrations, many of which were previously unpublished. While later unified one-volume editions and paperbacks are relatively common, the original two-volume UK hardcover split, particularly in this unread, highly preserved state, has become increasingly uncommon on the open market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA crucial companion for any Middle-earth enthusiast, \u003ci\u003eThe History of the Hobbit, Part One: Mr. Baggins\u003c\/i\u003e unveils the fascinating evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic. Through comprehensive and meticulous commentary by John D. Rateliff, readers are invited to trace Bilbo Baggins's journey from its earliest handwritten drafts to the published tale. This volume explores the foundational myths, the original character names, and the discarded plotlines that Tolkien experimented with, offering an unprecedented window into the creative mind of the twentieth century's greatest world-builder.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54628590322003,"sku":"5177","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260811_142746.jpg?v=1787130284","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-history-of-the-hobbit-part-one-mr-baggins-j-r-r-tolkien-amp-john-d-rateliff","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}