The Hobbit, Longman Heritage of Literature Series, 5th Impression 1970.

Longman’s Heritage of Literature Series hardback of The Hobbit, 5th impression 1970, complete with both endpaper maps.

This is the 5th impression (1970) of The Hobbit in the Longman Heritage of Literature Series. The copyright page records the Third Edition (Galliard edition) text, first issued in this series in 1961, and notes reprints in 1966, 1968, 1969 (twice) and 1970. The SBN 0582528899 is also present, confirming the 1970 impression.

The volume contains the full text of The Hobbit together with both of Tolkien’s maps:
– Thror’s Map at the front
– The Map of Wilderland at the rear
Both maps in this copy are clean and undamaged.

Bound in the characteristic grey and black patterned boards used for the Heritage of Literature Series, with runic decoration, a pale horizontal band across the upper cover, and the series device at the foot of the spine and lower cover. The boards show general rubbing and edge wear, with bumping to the corners and spine ends. There is some surface wear and a discoloured patch to the spine panel, and light marking to the rear cover, consistent with school or classroom use.

The page edges are age-toned, with a little spotting and a small mark to the fore-edge. Internally, the binding remains sound and the book opens well. A few early leaves (around the opening chapter) show small stains, but the text throughout is fully legible. Aside from occasional handling marks, there are no ownership inscriptions, underlining or other writing noted.

These Longman school editions were heavily used and relatively few survive complete with both maps and an intact binding. This copy, while showing clear signs of use, remains a solid and complete example of the 5th impression, suitable both as a reading copy and as a representative piece of Tolkien’s publishing history in the educational market of the 1960s–70s.

A scarce 1970 school edition of The Hobbit, with all original features present.

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