The Hobbit or There and Back Again. Illustrated in colour by the Author. De Luxe Edition. London: Allen & Unwin, 1976. First Edition Thus. Pp, 286. Publisher’s black buckram cloth boards. Gilt lettering at tail of spine a little rubbed, otherwise a nice bright copy.

A lavishly produced collector’s edition, bound in black buckram with Tolkien’s own design of Smaug the dragon stamped in gilt, red, and silver. It includes five colour plates by Tolkien, maps of Thror and Wilderland, and additional illustrations coloured by H.E. Riddett.

This edition is prized for its craftsmanship and for showcasing Tolkien’s dual talents as author and illustrator