Books of the Day: Tolkiens of our esteem for The Hobbit's 80th

Yes, it is Hobbit Day- the shared birthday of Frodo and Bilbo, the linchpin of Tolkien Week. The American Tolkien Society declared the date in 1978.

It's also the 80th anniversary of the first publication of the Hobbit.

What better gift to modern-day Shireans than one of Henry’s Tolkien books?

Tolkien, J.R.R., The Hobbit, Or There And Back Again (Abrams, 1st ed., 1977). ISBN 0-8109-1060-8. Illustrations from the 1977 animated feature film of the same name.Over 230 color pictures in a scene by scene accompaniment to the Tolkien text. Striking clear acetate dust jacket bearing the dragon Smaug’s likeness for a 3-D effect. Several illustrations fold out three panels wide. Very good condition. Hardcover, 12” x 11”. HBB price: $195 obo.

Tolkien, J.R.R., Unfinished Tales (Houghton Mifflin, 1st American ed., 1st printing, 1980). Hardcover, unclipped dust jacket, very good condition. One inch tear in dust jacket at top of cover. HBB price: $95 obo.

Tolkien, J.R.R. Smith of Wootton Major (Houghton Mifflin, 1st ed., 4th printing, 1967). ISBN 0-395-08259-5. This is a tale about the Feast of Good Children, held in the village of Wootton Major every 24 years, and what happened when the village cook went away on on a trip and came back with a mysterious apprentice called Alf. Hardcover, 4.5” x 6.75”, clipped dust jacket with two small tears at the front top right. Good condition; HBB price: 24.99.

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit: Or There And Back Again (Houghton Mifflin Company. 1997, first thus edition). ISBN: 0-395-87346-0. Hard Cover, 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Ill.: Alan Lee. Published in 1997, illustrated by Alan Lee. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien for his own children The Hobbit met with instant sucess when published in 1937. This special new edition has established itself as " one of the most influential books of our generation ". The Times. The dustjacket carries Lee illustration,w ith runic borders in gold. Bright, clean text with a tight binding a solid book, with many color drawings. Gift inscription in longhand on the front end paper. Very good condition. HBB price $40 obo.

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