Tolkien Library Store - Signed / Numbered / Limited Editions - The Hobbit limited editions

#cb0002 - The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase - € 850

First impression of the 1999 worldwide edition of 2,500 copies, in black quarter leather and cloth with gilt edges, Tolkien’s illustrations and maps, and the original matching Smaug slipcase.

> Enquire about this book

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase

First Impression of the 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition

Published in London by HarperCollins in 1999, this deluxe edition of The Hobbit, or There and Back Again was limited to a worldwide printing of 2,500 copies. The limitation is stated on the copyright page, which identifies this as the 1999 printing and records that the edition is based on the text reset in 1995. ISBN 0-261-10257-5.

Set in Linotype Plantin Light and printed and bound in Great Britain by MPG Books Ltd, Bodmin, Cornwall. The volume includes a preliminary “Note on the Text” and a title page framed by Tolkien’s runic lettering, with his monogram above the title.

Illustrated by Tolkien

The edition includes five colour illustrations by Tolkien alongside his eight original black-and-white drawings. His pictures form part of the book’s visual narrative, from Bilbo’s home and the landscapes of the journey to the dragon and the Lonely Mountain.

Thror’s Map is reproduced across the front endpapers, with the Map of Wilderland across the rear endpapers, both printed in red and black. Tolkien’s signature is reproduced in facsimile on the half-title; it is a printed feature of the edition, rather than a handwritten autograph.

Original Quarter-Leather Binding and Matching Slipcase

In the publisher’s black quarter-leather binding with matching cloth boards, divided by a narrow gilt rule. The spine is lettered in gilt with Tolkien’s monogram at the head and the HarperCollins device at the foot. A large gilt Smaug design decorates the front board, and all three edges of the page block are gilt.

The original black cloth-covered slipcase accompanies the book. Its gilt dragon repeats the front-board design, creating a coordinated presentation with the book’s leather spine visible at the opening. Both the book and its original publisher’s slipcase are included.

Condition

A very well-preserved, near-fine copy. The leather spine and cloth boards remain attractive, with bright gilt lettering and decoration and only light signs of handling. The gilt edges retain their lustre. The map endpapers and the text openings are clean and pleasing, with the paper a light cream colour.

The matching cloth slipcase is sound and retains its clear gilt Smaug design, with light surface marks and minor rubbing from handling. An attractive and complete example of this first limited deluxe impression.

> Enquire about this book

Pictures (click to enlarge):

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 1

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 2

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 3

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 4

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 5

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 6

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 7

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 8

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 9

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 10

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 11

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 12

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 13

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 14

The Hobbit — 1999 Limited Deluxe Edition, One of 2,500 Copies, in Original Slipcase, photograph 15

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping. Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.