The History of The Hobbit Boxed Set by J.R.R. Tolkien & John D. Rateliff (HarperCollins, 2007)

A Rare Insight into the Making of The Hobbit – Featuring Unpublished Manuscripts and Commentary

This definitive three-volume set explores the origins and evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. It includes The Hobbit itself along with Mr. Baggins and Return to Bag-End, which provide deep insights into Tolkien’s writing process, complete with manuscript facsimiles and commentary by John D. Rateliff.

Key Features:
- Published by HarperCollins in 2007.
- Three-volume hardcover set housed in a decorative slipcase featuring Tolkien’s artwork.
- Includes The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, and Return to Bag-End.
- Features previously unpublished drafts, annotations, and notes from Tolkien’s archives.
- A must-have for serious Tolkien collectors and scholars of Middle-earth literature.

Condition:
- The books retain their bindings and dust jackets; the photographed pages are generally clean.
- Dust jackets are intact but exhibit significant fading on the spines, likely due to prolonged light exposure.
- Slipcase shows noticeable fading on one side, making it appear uneven in color.
- A small mark is visible around the printed Tolkien monogram in Return to Bag-End. Its nature is uncertain; it is not identified here as an ownership inscription or signature.

This boxed set remains a valuable collector’s item despite the cosmetic fading of the slipcase and jackets. A fantastic resource for those wanting a deep dive into Tolkien’s creative process.

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