Bilbo le Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien – French Christian Bourgois Edition (1992)

A scarce and particularly attractive 1992 French edition of The Hobbit, translated by Francis Ledoux, with evocative Alan Lee cover artwork and Tolkien’s maps reproduced in French.

Published by Christian Bourgois Éditeur, Paris, in 1992.
Translated from the English by Francis Ledoux. This edition preserves the traditional French title Bilbo le Hobbit, which was used before the later French editions adopted the shorter title Le Hobbit.

The front cover presents a wonderfully detailed view of Bag End and Hobbiton, with Bilbo’s round green door set into the hillside and the landscape of the Shire extending into the distance. The understated typography and pale green, yellow and blue palette give the book a highly distinctive early-1990s appearance.

This Bourgois edition is now out of print and has become increasingly difficult to locate, particularly in such clean and attractive condition. The original retail price of 120 French francs is printed on the rear cover.

Bibliographical details:
– Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
– French title: Bilbo le Hobbit
– Original title: The Hobbit
– Translator: Francis Ledoux
– Publisher: Christian Bourgois Éditeur, Paris
– Year: 1992
– Edition: 1992 Christian Bourgois edition
– Cover artwork: Alan Lee
– Language: French
– Format: Illustrated laminated paperback
– Pagination: 309 pages
– ISBN-10: 2-267-01127-1
– ISBN-13: 978-2-267-01127-2
– Original price: 120 F

Illustrative content:
The book includes Tolkien’s maps reproduced with French place names and annotations. These comprise the map of Thrór and the larger map tracing Bilbo’s journey through Wilderland towards the Lonely Mountain.

The title verso confirms the original publication of The Hobbit by George Allen & Unwin in 1937, the 1969 French translation issued by Éditions Stock, and the present Christian Bourgois edition of 1992.

Condition report:
A very well-preserved copy with only modest signs of age and careful handling.

The illustrated front cover remains bright, clean and highly attractive. There is light rubbing to the surface and edges, together with minor wear at the corners. The upper edge shows a small amount of handling wear, but there are no serious creases, tears or losses.

The white spine is complete, clean and clearly lettered, with only light wear at the head and foot. The rear cover remains clean and legible, retaining the original ISBN, barcode and printed French price.

Internally the book appears sound and clean. The pages show mild natural age toning but remain fresh and readable. The photographed maps are complete and clearly printed, and the binding appears firm. No ownership inscription, annotation or significant staining is visible in the supplied photographs.

Summary:
An appealing example of the increasingly elusive 1992 Christian Bourgois edition of Bilbo le Hobbit, combining the classic Francis Ledoux translation with memorable Shire artwork and Tolkien’s maps in French.

A difficult-to-find French Tolkien edition in unusually attractive condition, and a strong addition to any international collection of The Hobbit.

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