The Hobbit or There and Back Again

The book is a mass-market paperback showing moderate wear. The cover has some creases and slight discoloration, and the spine shows signs of reading use. The pages are yellowed with age but remain intact. There is no dust jacket, as typical for this format. Overall, it is in good condition for a book of its age, suitable for reading or collection.

This is a 1974 printing of J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit or There and Back Again," published by Ballantine Books in New York. This edition is noted as a Revised Edition, specifically the Fifty-First Printing. The cover features the artwork "Bilbo Comes to the Huts of the Raftelves," painted by Tolkien himself, adding a unique visual touch to this mass-market paperback. First published in 1937, "The Hobbit" is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, introducing readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. This particular edition is significant for collectors due to its high number of printings, reflecting its enduring popularity. The book is in a mass-market paperback format, characteristic of Ballantine's editions from this period. The condition shows signs of wear typical for its age, making it a well-loved copy for any Tolkien enthusiast.