Description
The 1988 Annotated Edition of The Hobbit, edited by Douglas A. Anderson, offers readers a deeply immersive experience in J.R.R. Tolkien’s original story, enriched by extensive notes and contextual materials. This special edition serves as both a reading companion and a scholarly exploration, revealing the layers of mythology, historical references, and literary influences that underpin Tolkien’s work.
Anderson meticulously documents Tolkien’s revisions to the text, notably the modifications made in later editions to ensure consistency with The Lord of the Rings. The annotations also provide insights into Tolkien’s creative process, linguistic choices, and his correspondence with early readers and critics, creating a window into the reception of The Hobbit during its initial publication period.