| 
Original Hobbit artwork on show at The Bodleian Library, Oxford
The Bodleian Library is taking part in World Book Day 2010 by exhibiting a selection of JRR Tolkien’s original artwork which was used to illustrate The Hobbit.
A unique manuscript of Hobbit doodles and a rare first edition of the book will also be on display. The free-of-charge one-day display will take place in the Divinity School of the Bodleian Library on Thursday, 4 March 2010.
“All I can remember about the start of The Hobbit is sitting correcting School Certificate papers … On a blank leaf I scrawled: ‘In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.’”
Excerpt from a letter written by JRR Tolkien to WH Auden (7 July 1955)
Tolkien’s own manuscript of The Hobbit was illustrated throughout with monochrome drawings and maps also printed in the first British edition. At the suggestion of his American publishers, who wanted to include colour plates in their edition, Tolkien painted five watercolours between mid-July and mid-August 1937, four of which were reproduced in the first American edition published in March 1938. Another four appeared in the second British edition published in January 1938.
The display coincides with World Book Day, the biggest annual celebration of books and reading in the UK and Ireland.
Posted: March 3rd, 2010
Author: Lee
Categories: JRR Tolkien
Do you have something to add to this post? Please leave a comment
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
| Book of the Month | Interviews | Books you must read... | Competition | |||
| Once Walked with Gods James Barclay James Barclay's ELVES trilogy will tell the whole story of his immortal elven race, and will appeal to all fans of Tolkien and fantasy - this is a uniquely entertaining take on a fantasy staple perfect to bring new readers to Barclay. |
|
Alden Bell Allison Brennan Paul Kearney Karen Brooks JR Mitchell NK Jemisin Holly Black Chris Dolley Alex Bell Alison Goodman |
The Amulet of Samarkand The Spook's Apprentice Gardens of the Moon A Game of Thrones A Wizard of Earthsea Ship of Magic Assassin's Apprentice The Colour of Magic Duncton Wood Tigana |
September 2, 2010 will see the publication of Steve Augarde's wonderful X-Isle in paperback. To mark the occasion Random House have very kindly given us three copies to give away as prizes in our latest competition. | ||
| Previous winners | Interview archive | Josh's top 8 fantasy list | Click here to enter! |
Follow us on Twitter