The Hobbit Folio Society 2002 JRR Tolkien Eric Fraser Hardcover Slipcase

🚀 **The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien’s Masterpiece in Folio Society Collector’s Edition**
*Illustrated by Eric Fraser · Sixth printing, 2002 · Full vegetable parchment binding*

**A FOUNDATION OF MODERN FANTASY**

Published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin, The Hobbit introduced the world to Bilbo Baggins, Middle-earth, and a genre that would define modern fantasy literature. It won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and helped establish Tolkien as one of the most important writers of the 20th century. The story’s success directly led to The Lord of the Rings.

**THE STORY**

An unexpected dinner party at Bag End sets off a quest spanning mountains, forests, and a dragon-guarded treasure hoard. Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving hobbit, joins Gandalf the wizard and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo discovers a magic ring — one that would connect directly to Tolkien’s greater legendarium.

**ILLUSTRATIONS AND BINDING**

This Folio Society edition features 28 black-and-white illustrations by Eric Fraser, rendered in a detailed woodcut and linocut style capturing the adventure and atmosphere of Tolkien’s world. The binding is full vegetable parchment with a gold blocked design by Francis Mosley — a rich red cover with repeating gold vine and flame motifs. The spine is black with gold lettering. Thror’s Map (with Dwarvish runes) and the Wilderland map appear as decorated endpapers. Typeset in Barbou with Libra display, printed at The Bath Press on St Paul’s Wove paper.

**EDITION DETAILS**

– Original Folio Society edition: 1979
– Reprinted with new binding: 1997 (vegetable parchment by Francis Mosley)
– This copy: Sixth printing, 2002
– Publisher: The Folio Society, London
– Illustrated by Eric Fraser · Binding design by Francis Mosley
– Printed at The Bath Press, Bath on St Paul’s Wove paper
– Housed in matching stiff board slipcase

**FOR COLLECTORS**

The Folio Society’s Hobbit is sought after by Tolkien collectors and fine book enthusiasts. This 2002 sixth printing carries the upgraded 1997 vegetable parchment binding — a step above the original 1979 art leather and cloth binding. Copies in this condition, complete with slipcase and crisp Eric Fraser illustrations throughout, are increasingly harder to find.

—

CONDITION:
Book: Near fine to fine, decorated boards, Thror’s Map and Wilderland map in endpapers, Eric Frasier illustrations throughout the text. No flaws to speak of, quite crisp and charming.
Jacket: NA
Matching stiff board slipcase is solid, no splits or tears. Some surface rubs on wrapping paper, but minimal.

Quite lovely!

See accompanying images for full condition details.

ABOUT:
Published by the Folio Society of London in 2002. From the estate of a gentleman who was an avid collector of Folio Society.

Will ship promptly, carefully packaged.

—
HFB-SEO-v1: 2026-07-05