The Hobbit + The History of The Hobbit — HarperCollins UK Boxed Set (2007) — Sealed

A desirable HarperCollins UK boxed set, published in 2007, bringing together Tolkien’s 70th Anniversary Edition of The Hobbit with John D. Rateliff’s two-volume scholarly work The History of The Hobbit. All three hardbacks are housed in the original illustrated slipcase and remain sealed in the publisher’s shrink-wrap.

Contents of the Set:
The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien (70th Anniversary Edition)
The History of The Hobbit: Mr. Baggins — John D. Rateliff
The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End — John D. Rateliff

The Hobbit (70th Anniversary Edition)
This edition reproduces Tolkien’s text together with Thror’s Map and the Map of Wilderland printed on the endpapers. It includes five colour illustrations by Tolkien, in addition to the familiar black-and-white illustrations (including the Mirkwood illustration and the eight classic line drawings). The volume also contains a prefatory note derived from Christopher Tolkien’s foreword to the 50th Anniversary Edition, as well as an excerpt from The Lord of the Rings (Chapter One), placing The Hobbit within the broader legendarium context.

The History of The Hobbit
Edited and annotated by John D. Rateliff, this two-volume work traces the development of The Hobbit from its earliest drafts through revision and publication. It presents a complete early draft of the story, alongside extensive editorial commentary explaining Tolkien’s creative process. The work records textual changes made both before first publication and in later revisions, and reproduces a number of lesser-known illustrations and maps connected to the book’s composition. It is widely regarded as the definitive study of how The Hobbit evolved from children’s tale to cornerstone of Middle-earth.

Condition:
The set remains factory sealed in the original publisher’s shrink-wrap. Any apparent surface marks, vertical lines, or light haze visible in the photographs are reflections or texture in the plastic wrap only. The books and slipcase beneath appear sharp and unused. The shrink-wrap shows typical minor crinkling at the top edges from storage. A small white barcode is present on the base of the slipcase.

Publication Details:
Publisher: HarperCollins (UK)
Year: 2007
Format: Three hardbacks in illustrated slipcase (boxed set)
ISBN (boxed set): 978-0-261-10291-0

This UK boxed set is increasingly difficult to find in sealed condition. Many copies on the market are opened and frequently exhibit spine fading; sealed examples in clean state are considerably scarcer.

Full high-resolution photographs available upon request.

Other Tolkien books available, including rare UK and US editions, fine bindings, and Signed / Limited editions.

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