Notes
Mr. Baggins, a collection of writings by J.R.R. Tolkien relating to The Hobbit, edited with introduction and exhaustive commentary by John D. Rateliff.

Part 1 of The History of The Hobbit.

Published on 1 May 2007.

Various illustrations, sketches, maps and manuscript pages by J.R.R. Tolkien appear as a frontispiece, on page 21 and on eight unnumbered pages between pages 216 and 217.

Details of all British editions of Mr. Baggins can be found via these links to Tolkienbooks.net:

• First Edition 2007
• First Paperback Edition 2008

The History of The Hobbit presents for the first time, in two volumes, the complete text of the original manuscript of The Hobbit, and this is accompanied by John D. Rateliff’s lively and informative commentary which looks at the story behind Tolkien’s tale and discusses the many themes contained within. As well as recording the numerous changes made to the story both before and after publication, it examines – chapter by chapter – why those changes were made and how they reflect Tolkien’s ever growing concept of Middle-earth.

The original account of where Bilbo meets Gollum and steals the ring from him is reprinted here in its proper context for the first time in over fifty years, as are many little-known illustrations and previously unpublished maps for the story by Tolkien himself.

This major examination of one of the most treasured stories in English literature will offer fascinating new insights to those who have grown up with this enchanting tale of Hobbits and delight those who are about to enter Bilbo’s round door for the first time.