J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.
<p>A commemorative 75th anniversary edition of Tolkien’s classic book, including a revised</p><p>introduction, a map, a copy of Tolkien’s unpublished short story which he expanded for</p><p>publication, his notes for an aborted sequel, and the original first edition illustrations by</p><p>Pauline Baynes.</p><p>Farmer Giles of Ham did not look like a hero. He was fat and red-bearded and enjoyed a slow,</p><p>comfortable life.</p><p>Then one day a rather deaf and short-sighted giant blundered on to his land. More by luck than skill,</p><p>Farmer Giles managed to scare him away. The people of the village cheered: Farmer Giles was a</p><p>hero.</p><p>His reputation spread far and wide across the kingdom. So it was natural that when the dragon</p><p>Chrysophylax visited the area it was Farmer Giles who was expected to do battle with it!</p>
