The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1978 Ballantine Revised Edition Paperback, 71st Printing)

A beautiful vintage 1978 paperback printing of The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy classic and the enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings. Published by Ballantine Books, this November 1978 seventy-first printing of the revised edition features Tolkien's own original watercolor artwork, Bilbo Comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves, on its distinctive illustrated cover.

First published in 1937, The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins on an extraordinary adventure through Middle-earth, introducing generations of readers to Gandalf, Gollum, Smaug, and the richly imagined world that would become the foundation of modern fantasy literature.

This wonderfully preserved vintage paperback retains its striking illustrated cover with attractive color and only light-to-moderate edge and surface wear. The spine appears remarkably clean, with minimal visible creasing, while the pages display the characteristic golden age toning of a nearly fifty-year-old paperback. The back cover features a charming photographic portrait of Tolkien holding his pipe.

An especially appealing vintage edition for Tolkien enthusiasts, collectors of classic fantasy, and readers who appreciate the original Ballantine paperback artwork.