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Published by London: Unwin Hyman 1989 First Edition, Third Printing 8vo 497pp ISBN 0-04-440162-0, London, 1989
ISBN 10: 0044401620ISBN 13: 9780044401629
Seller: N & A Smiles, Kellerberrin, WA, Australia
Book First Edition
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Fine original black cloth, in Fine Brodart-protected unclipped DW. In The Return of the Shadow, Christopher Tolkien describes, with full citation of the earliest notes, outline plans, and narrative drafts, the intricate evolution of The Fellowship of the Ring. The enlargement of Bilbo's 'magic ring' into the supremely potent and dangerous Ruling Ring of the Dark Lord is traced; the character of a Hobbit called Trotter is developed while his identity remains an insoluble puzzle; the Hobbits, Frodo's companions, undergo intricate permutations of name and personality, and other major figures appear in strange modes: a sinister Treebeard, in league with the Enemy, a ferocious and malevolent Farmer Maggot. The story in this book ends at the point where J.R.R. Tolkien halted in the story for a long time, as the Company of the Ring, still lacking Legolas and Gimli, stood before the tomb of Balin in the Mines of Moria. The book is illustrated with reproductions of the first maps and notable pages from the earliest manuscripts. A very attractive copy.