Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien – 1st Edition 1949

First edition of Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien, published in 1949 with illustrations by Pauline Baynes, featuring the original clipped dustwrapper.

Farmer Giles of Ham
J.R.R. Tolkien
1st Edition – 1949
George Allen & Unwin, London
Hardback with clipped dustwrapper
Illustrated by Pauline Baynes
Hammond Page Ref.: pp.71-77

This is a first edition first impression of Farmer Giles of Ham, published in 1949 by George Allen & Unwin, featuring illustrations by the talented Pauline Baynes. The dustwrapper, while original to the book, has been clipped, with the original price removed. However, this was initially priced at 6s net for the first impression. Despite the clipping, the dust jacket still retains its intricate cover art, showcasing Baynes' style, with some wear and minor loss around the edges.

The book's binding is a textured orange paper with a decorative embossed blue dragon on the front cover, maintaining the whimsical nature of Tolkien’s story. Inside, the endpapers feature a repeating dragon pattern. On the front endpaper, there is an inscription from a previous owner, possibly reading "Rideki Pankham" (or a similar name, though the exact handwriting remains somewhat unclear.

Within, Baynes' illustrations bring Tolkien’s light-hearted, medieval fairy-tale to life. This copy includes a colored frontispiece and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Despite slight age-related yellowing, the pages are in good condition, and the book remains an excellent piece for collectors.

The story follows the adventures of Farmer Giles, his faithful dog Garm, and the sly dragon Chrysophylax. It’s a witty and engaging tale, showcasing Tolkien’s playful use of language and narrative.

This first edition is a charming collectible, especially for Tolkien enthusiasts, enhanced by Pauline Baynes' delightful artwork, making it an attractive addition to any collection.

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