New version of The Hobbit will include 50+ sketches by JRR Tolkien

A new illustrated edition of that masterpiece that is The Hobbit will go on sale this year with a surprise. The book will feature more than 50 of JRR Tolkien’s sketches, some of the original artwork hand-drawn by the author to accompany the world-building.

As explained by the editorial HarperCollins:

Written for J.R.R. The children of Tolkien himself, The Hobbit was published on September 21, 1937. With a beautiful cover design, a handful of black-and-white drawings, and two maps by the author himself, the book became an instant hit and was rarely reprinted. later with five color plates.

Tolkien’s own selection of finished paintings and drawings have become inseparable from his text, gracing editions of The Hobbit for over 85 years. But published art has only provided a glimpse into Tolkien’s creative process, and many additional sketches, color drawings and maps, though exhibited and published elsewhere, have never appeared on the pages of The Hobbit.

In this exclusive enhanced edition of Tolkien’s enchanting classic tale, the full panoply of Tolkien’s art is reproduced for the first time, featuring more than 50 illustrations to accompany Bilbo Baggins on his ’round trip’ adventure.

This reissue will go on sale on September 19, 2023,