The Hobbit & The History of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien & John D. Rateliff (RARE, Unopened First Edition), 2007 🧙‍♂️📜🐉

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare, unopened First Edition three-volume set of The Hobbit and The History of the Hobbit. The set presents J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel alongside the two volumes of extensive scholarly commentary by John D. Rateliff. As a rare, untouched set, it is a highly sought-after artifact for collectors of Tolkien's works.

The set provides a tangible connection to the mind of a literary giant. It is a premier acquisition for any serious library due to its:

• Pristine, untouched condition.

• Scholarly and literary importance.

• Non-replicable nature as a sealed, first edition.

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2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

This set provides a comprehensive look into the creation of a modern literary classic. It includes:

• The Hobbit, the original novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

• The History of the Hobbit, Volume I: Mr. Baggins, which contains Tolkien's original drafts and early versions of the story.

• The History of the Hobbit, Volume II: Return to Bag-End, which provides insights into Tolkien's revisions and the final form of the text.

The books are an essential primary source for any scholar or dedicated reader of Tolkien. They provide the same type of "literary archaeology" that Christopher Tolkien's 12-volume The History of Middle-earth provides for The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, and philologist, widely considered the father of modern fantasy. His works are celebrated for their rich, detailed worlds and deep mythology.

John D. Rateliff is an American scholar and writer considered one of the foremost authorities on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. His work on The History of the Hobbit is a monumental achievement in scholarship, providing a clear and comprehensive look into the author's creative process. His meticulous research and insightful commentary make this an essential resource for scholars and fans.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 2007, this set is an artifact of a period of immense change in fantasy literature.

• The books were released at a time when the Tolkien fandom was reaching a fever pitch with the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings.

• The set's publication reflects a widespread desire for a deeper understanding of Tolkien's work and a new level of scholarly engagement with fantasy as a genre.

The books are a "time capsule" of late 20th and early 21st-century literary and social thought. They capture the spirit of an era when fantasy was becoming a mainstream cultural phenomenon and serve as an important record of this transitional period.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This set is intended for a curator of modern fantasy literature, a scholar of J.R.R. Tolkien, or a private collector of fine press publications. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's dual significance as a foundational literary document and a physical artifact of its time.

This is a perfect fit for a collection that cherishes the intimate story behind an author's creative process, and appeals to a collector interested in the intersection of:

• Literature and history.

• The art of bookmaking.

• The scholarly analysis of a literary giant's work.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a rare, unopened first edition three-volume set, this collection represents a genuinely scarce non-replicable asset class. First printings of scholarly works are highly sought after and difficult to find in such pristine, unused condition. The "unopened" status of this set is a key factor in its value, as it ensures the books are in their original, untouched state. The price is a direct reflection of the books' scarcity, historical significance, and condition.

The set's value is also enhanced by:

• Scholarly Value: Its content provides a unique look into Tolkien’s creative process.

• Collectibility: Its pristine condition makes it a premium and highly desirable item.

• Non-Replicable Status: Its true worth lies in its historical context and its scarcity within the specialized field of antiquarian books.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This set is in an exceptionally pristine, unopened condition. The books are in their original factory shrink-wrap, which has preserved them in a mint state since their publication. The shrink-wrap itself shows some very minor signs of age and shelf wear, but the books underneath are in a perfect, untouched state. This level of preservation is extremely rare for a set of this type.

• The shrink-wrap has a few minor scuffs and tears.

• The slipcase and books are free from any toning, foxing, or other imperfections.

• The set is sealed and has not been opened.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The set is a complementary piece to Christopher Tolkien's The History of Middle-earth series.

• An early draft of The Hobbit had Bilbo navigating Mirkwood using a ball of rolled-up spider silk, similar to Theseus in the Minotaur's labyrinth.

• Tolkien's early drafts contained very different names for characters; for instance, a dwarf's name was initially "Fimbulfambi," which means "great fool" in Old Norse.

• The set contains previously unpublished illustrations, including a facsimile of the dwarves' letter written in Tolkien's invented Tengwar script.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Hobbit & The History of the Hobbit, Three-Volume Set

• Author/Maker: J.R.R. Tolkien, Edited by John D. Rateliff

• Year: 2007

• Publisher/Foundry: Houghton Mifflin

• Place of Origin: Boston, MA, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover with original slipcase

• Edition: First Edition, First Printing

• Rarity: Rare

• Original Retail Price: $95.00

• Illustrations: Illustrations from the original book The Hobbit. The sides are reproduced courtesy of the Raynor Memorial Libraries, Marquette University, and the spine is reproduced courtesy of the Bodleian Library, Oxford.