The Hobbit + The History of The Hobbit — Houghton Mifflin US Boxed Set (2007) — Sealed

A highly attractive and increasingly scarce US boxed set, published by Houghton Mifflin in 2007, combining Tolkien’s The Hobbit with John D. Rateliff’s landmark two-volume study The History of The Hobbit. All three hardbacks are housed in the original illustrated slipcase and remain sealed in the publisher’s original shrink-wrap.

This American issue mirrors the celebrated UK HarperCollins edition but was produced for the US market, complete with its own ISBN and distribution. Sealed examples such as this are becoming notably difficult to source.

Contents of the Set:
The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien
The History of The Hobbit: Mr. Baggins — John D. Rateliff
The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End — John D. Rateliff

The Hobbit
This edition presents Tolkien’s classic text together with the author’s own illustrations, including colour plates and the familiar black-and-white drawings. The maps of Thror and Wilderland are reproduced, and the text reflects the standard revised form that firmly situates The Hobbit within the wider Middle-earth legendarium.

The History of The Hobbit
Rateliff’s monumental two-volume work traces the evolution of The Hobbit from its earliest drafts through to publication and later revision. It includes a full early manuscript version of the tale, accompanied by extensive scholarly commentary. The work offers deep insight into Tolkien’s creative process and is widely regarded as the definitive study of the book’s development.

Condition:
The set remains factory sealed in the original shrink-wrap. The plastic shows some typical storage wear, including light creasing and a small split/tear along one edge (as visible in the photographs). The books and slipcase beneath appear clean, sharp, and unused.

Publication Details:
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (USA)
Year: 2007
Format: Three hardbacks in illustrated slipcase (boxed set)
ISBN (boxed set): 978-0-618-96440-6

Sealed US examples of this set are considerably less common than opened copies. A desirable collectible combining Tolkien’s original work with the most authoritative study of its creation.

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