AVOID THIS 'HOBBIT' BOOK | Deluxe Edition, Paperback, Hardback

So many editions to choose from if this is your first or 100th time reading 'The Hobbit'. Unsure which one to choose for your reading or collection? Here we compare a few copies that might just suit you.

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[silverhurst]

My favorite Hobbit edition is the one I bought back in 1977 when I was 14 years old, the one with all the illustrations from the cartoon movie. I was so proud of myself being able to purchase it with money from my first job, it was quite expensive for the time, more than double the price of a regular hardback. Still have it in mint condition with the dust jacket, I always treated it quite gingerly. For actually reading I still go to my paperback edition from the same time period (ditto with LOTR).

[danielthrasher]

Personally, I always pick Douglas Anderson’s Annotated Hobbit. As someone who’s read the novel countless times, the annotations and illustrations from numerous editions really allow it to always be a fun experience.

[lukethomas]

If you play along with Tolkien and pretend that The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are real works translated by him for modern readers then the facsimile edition is vital for completists as it represents Bilbos version of the tale as opposed to later versions which have been emended by Frodo to bring it closer to the truth regarding Gollum. Bilbo himself admits to fudging the truth during the Council of Elrond. On another note, I prefer Alan Lees paintings reproduced on the glossy paper as I think the colours ‘pop’ more and the details are clearer. Great video 👍😁

[RespawnMuch]

The pocket edition was my first read. Loved it so much. When new, it looked beautiful. However it does wear and tear and flake easilly. I liked the styling, weight, page feel, font, gilded features. If it were up to me, there would be a true leather version of it.

[marcelo_]

The illustrated Hobbit by Jemima Catlin is absolutely gorgeous. It really feels like an art book, with its glossy and thick paper, sewn in binding and cloth hardcover. In fact it is so well made that it's quite heavy and not very comfortable to read, almost like a single edition LOTR!

[Footbucket]

The pocket edition has been my main "The Hobbit" book since it came out. I leave it in my backpack at all times so I know I'll always have it for a flight or trip. I don't mind the wear and tear, but you're very right about needing to pick up all the flakes. Sometimes, my hands are covered in little "leather" flakes after reading it!

[vivianlaw]

Thank you for sharing your collection... I have been thinking of getting all the books made by a bookbinder for my husband, I've been watching a few amazing craftsmen who use traditional bookbinding techniques and they look amazing.

[alang]

Hey James, I do own the Jemima illustrative edition of the Hobbit and next to the deluxe illustrative edition it is one of the best ones I’ve seen. Beautiful hardback, with almost a felt-like feel with gold inlay in the leaves and lettering on front page. Great edition!

[Tadicuslegion]

Before my Niece was born in Spring 2020, my sister asked everyone to give her books so she could have stuff to read to her firstborn over the years. And I, book worm that I am, gave her a pile of books she could read from ages newborn - about 10, and wrote little notes in each one. So I gave her a copy of the Hobbit, 75th edition paperback with the cover of the red moon and mountains. And then when she'll turn 8, she's getting The Lord of the Rings & The Chronicles of Narnia. I've decided all my cousins kids are getting copies of one or the other for their 8th birthday. Already sent one The Lord of the Rings for his 8th birthday.

[galinaastashkina]

Wonderful presentation! As if I was in a store, talking to a friend about what I see and even touch! Thanks a lot!

[OldCroDad]

I have the Jemima Catlin edition and I love it! Yes, it's all on semi-glossy papered it's white, but the construction is solid and the materials are top notch. It's more of a piece of art than a durable reader. It needs to be handled with care. Good for adults, but maybe wait with the kids.

[therevanchist]

I’m enjoying the deluxe collectors edition I picked up on Amazon, has a green leatherette cover and slipcase with gold and red foil stamping adorning both covers and spine, with green leafs adorning the edges of the pages. It definitely feels like you are reading something special when you open it.

[burundianfamily]

I want the Alan lee illustrated edition box set with the lord of the rings so bad it's like the perfect balance between immersion and storytelling and keeps the reader entertained with the artwork

[spencerstewart]

Great video! I just came across your channel today and glad I did. After a couple months of saving up, I bought the Easton Press Tolkien's Classics set. They are the the nicest books in my collection. I thought my bookshelf deserved them since I reread The Hobbit, LOTR, and The Silmarillion every year. I took the plastic off the The Hobbit and looked through the pages and was blown away! All original artwork and Full maps included. Super cool!

[cebolaameaca]

As usual, great comparison, James. I have somehow preserved my pocket edition but i rarely touch it knowing that there's the risk it'll one day flake apart

[beestings]

I have a copy of the Alan Lee version that is picture book size with the whole book on glossy paper. It’s so beautiful, you can see the illustrations in amazing fidelity, and I feel like the hobbit really benefits from that form factor. Will definitely be reading that version to my kids if I ever have them

[kirstynmcleary]

The Jemima Caitlin version is beautiful, it was gifted to my child as a present when he was born by my brother in law as he knows how much I love The Hobbit.

My Child is now five and we have been enjoying reading it together. It’s everything I wanted to introduce my child into the world of Tolkien and continue our love of reading together as a family.

The 80th anniversary facsimile first edition was a first wedding anniversary present from my husband.

These are two of my favourite copies of The Hobbit.

I grew up reading my Dad’s copy and understandably it is his.

[LogiFactsForThinkers]

I always have a huge amount of respect for YouTubers who respond to their viewer’s comments. Keep up the great content!!

[garym]

I personally went for the facsimile edition but decided to go for the gift set version. The one you show looked like a real hassle to get out of the slipcover and the slipcover art itself was no different from the book itself (under the dust jacket). Also the gift set just seemed like a nice complete package...it comes in a box with the artwork recreated in lenticular, it has a separate map with runes on the back, it has a booklet with info and an essay by Tolkien, and best of all it has a CD of Toljien reading some passages (including, I think, the revised Riddles in the Dark so that gives us what we don't get in the book). I feel like whatever version you get you will always be missing something, so unless you buy all of them you just have to decide which elements you prefer.

[lacmalince]

I also bought that pocket edition. I am currently in the process of rebinding it. I think I'll love it when it's finished.