This amazing Limited Edition Collector's Box includes a special hardcover edition of J. J. R. Tolkien's masterpiece of children's literature, a giant color map of Wilderland AND a rare 30 minute recording of the author reading from his book that you've likely never heard.
The black mat box kit was produced by Fire and Water in the United Kingdom in 2001 and sold in that country for 19.99 pounds.
It measures 6 by 9 inches and contains 5 specially produced Tolkien items to add to your collection:
Handy coat-pocket size book edition of The Hobbitt in mat black with glossy features. The book is hardcover with 310 pages and measures 4 1/2 by 7 inches -- about the size of a large pocketbook. Text is based on the original 1937 edition but this one dates to 2000, long after Tolkien died. His reproduced signature appears on the front endpaper.
A full color fold-out map of Wilderland by artist John Howe showing Bilbo's journey "there and back again" in glorious detail. It is poster size and measures 28 by 29 inches.
The map comes with a 24-page booklet by Brian Sibley about the writing of The Hobbitt.
Eight color postcards featuring Tolkien's own fabulous maps and paintings of his story.
Our favorite item is an exclusive 30-minute CD recording of Tolkien reading the riddle scene from The Hobbitt. This recording was made in the summer of 1952 by his friend, George Sayer who happened to own an early portable tape recorder.
Tolkien's voice adds a new dimension to the story as you hear the author recite the classic tale the way he would have read it to his children years before it was published.
All items are in new, unread condition. The CD has been tested by me to make sure it plays well (it does). The postcards are all untouched as is the hardcover book.
The only fault we could find is several small bumps on the back of the box, not affecting any text or images.
Check out our many other Tolkien items and email if you have questions.