The Hobbit or There and Back Again. Illustrated in colour by the Author. De Luxe Edition. London: Allen & Unwin, 1984. Third Impression. Pp, 286. Publisher’s black buckram cloth boards. Gilt lettering at tail to spine, hused in publisher’s original presentation box.  A fine 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