The Hobbit — 50th Anniversary Illustrated Edition (Michael Hague, Unwin Paperbacks, 1987) – Still Sealed.

A striking large-format illustrated Hobbit edition, published for the 50th anniversary and preserved here in its original shrink-wrap.

This is the 1987 Unwin Paperbacks 50th Anniversary edition of The Hobbit; or, There and Back Again, featuring the rich and atmospheric illustrations of acclaimed artist Michael Hague.

Issued to celebrate fifty years since the original 1937 publication, this edition stands apart from standard paperbacks through its larger format and fully illustrated presentation, bringing Tolkien’s world vividly to life.

Unlike the many later reprints that followed, this is the true 50th Anniversary issue, identifiable by its ISBN (0-04-823380-3) and original Unwin Paperbacks imprint.

The example offered here is particularly desirable, as it remains still sealed in the publisher’s original shrink-wrap — a condition seldom encountered with this edition. The wrap shows some age-related wear and creasing, but the book beneath appears untouched.

Condition
– Original publisher’s shrink-wrap still present
– Wrap shows creasing, small splits, and age wear
– Book underneath appears unread and well-preserved
– Clean, square, and highly presentable copy

Bibliographic details
– Title: The Hobbit; or, There and Back Again
– Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
– Illustrator: Michael Hague
– Publisher: Unwin Paperbacks
– Year: 1987
– Format: Large-format illustrated paperback
– ISBN-10: 0-04-823380-3
– ISBN-13: 978-0048233806
– Price on rear cover: £8.95

Collector’s note
The Michael Hague illustrated Hobbit is widely regarded as one of the most visually distinctive interpretations of Tolkien’s work, and the 1987 anniversary edition marks the moment this artwork was introduced to a wider audience. [oai_citation:1‡booksforkeeps.co.uk](https://booksforkeeps.co.uk/article/the-hobbit-50th-anniversary/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Copies in standard used condition are common, but examples still in original shrink-wrap are notably scarce and increasingly sought after by collectors who value untouched condition.

A superb display copy and a highly attractive anniversary issue — combining Tolkien’s timeless text with one of the most recognisable illustrated interpretations of The Hobbit.

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