Bargain Book - The Hobbit

There are four editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in the Kindle store and right now three of them are on sale for $3.32 apiece (no sales in other stores I checked). The fourth is a lavishly illustrated edition, that is "on sale" for $16.99 (marked down from it's $35 list price). The first two seem to be nearly the same (and the same as the edition I purchased from Fictionwise several years ago), other than the cover image, while the third is an enhanced edition that features both color illustrations (along with the originals) and embedded audio files of Tolkien reading several poems (and singing one song), for those on an iThing (the entire text is still readable on all Kindle devices and apps). All but the latter are also tied to the the companion audiobook, narrated by Rob Inglis, which I already had in my library (from a previous sale). I'm holding off on that illustrated edition (although it would be quite spectacular, especially to read-along with kids while the audiobook plays with immersion reading), but I am getting the Audio/Video Enhanced edition for the iPad, just for the included audio clips.

The Hobbit

A great modern classic and the prelude to THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

The Hobbit (Movie Tie-In)

J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to The Lord of the Rings trilogy—now available in a movie tie-in edition....

Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.

The Hobbit: 75th Anniversary Edition [Kindle Edition with Audio/Video]

This deluxe edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy contains a short introduction by Christopher Tolkien, a reset text incorporating the most up-to-date corrections, and all of Tolkien’s own drawings and full-color illustrations, including the rare “Mirkwood” piece.

J.R.R. Tolkien's own description for the original edition: "If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise."

The Hobbit (illustrated by Alan Lee)

This lavish gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic features cover art, illustrations, and watercolor paintings by the artist Alan Lee.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.