This softcover edition of The Hobbit was published by Collins Modern Classics in 1998 and features striking cover illustrations by David Wyatt. As the precursor to the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy, this "Modern Classic" follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he is swept into an epic quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug. The author, J.R.R. Tolkien, was a world-renowned philologist born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and his meticulous world-building in Middle-earth has made this title one of the most influential works of fantasy literature in the 20th century. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some light edge wear and shelf rubbing to the covers and spine, typical of a well-loved paperback. The internal pages remain clean and securely bound, with the original purple endpapers intact and no significant foxing or inscriptions noted.