The Hobbit – Illustrated by Alan Lee (1st Impression, HarperCollins, 1997).

The true first Alan Lee illustrated edition — a cornerstone modern Tolkien collectible.

This is the highly regarded 1997 HarperCollins illustrated edition of The Hobbit, featuring the celebrated artwork of Alan Lee, whose atmospheric vision of Middle-earth would later define the visual identity of Peter Jackson’s film trilogy.

First issued to mark the 60th anniversary of the original 1937 publication, this edition presents Tolkien’s classic text alongside over 60 full-page and vignette illustrations in watercolour and pencil — widely considered among the finest interpretations of the work.

The book is bound in hardcover with the iconic Smaug-on-the-hoard dust jacket, framed by runic borders, echoing Tolkien’s own original design motifs.

Importantly, this example is a true 1st impression of the 1997 edition, confirmed by the full number line on the copyright page.

While the Alan Lee edition remains in print today, early impressions have become increasingly difficult to source, with the vast majority of copies on the market being later reprints. For collectors, the first printing represents the most desirable state of this now-classic illustrated edition.

Edition details
– Publisher: HarperCollins
– Year: 1997
– Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
– ISBN: 026110330X
– Illustrated by Alan Lee
– 1st impression (full number line present)

Condition
Very good condition overall. Clean, tight binding with light handling wear only. The dust jacket is present and in very good condition, with minor signs of use. A well-preserved example of this increasingly collectible edition.

A landmark illustrated edition of The Hobbit — and an essential piece for collectors seeking the earliest state of Alan Lee’s influential work.

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