FARMER GILES OF HAM – SIGNED AND DATED BY THE ILLUSTRATOR – PAULINE BAYNES

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Price: £3450
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, London, UK
Publication date: 1949
Format: Original cloth blocked in blue with patterned endpapers. Dustwrapper
Condition: Very good indeed in a very good indeed dustwrapper
Size: 15cm x 23cm
Pages: 79

Description: “Farmer Giles of Ham” is a charming and whimsical tale by J.R.R. Tolkien, first published by Allen & Unwin in 1949. This first edition is uniquely signed and dated ‘Pauline Diana Baynes ’58’ on the title page. Baynes, whose career was launched by this very book, provided delightful illustrations throughout. Originally completed in 1937, just after “The Hobbit,” the work was not published until 1949. This book is the first of Tolkien’s works to be illustrated by Baynes.

Historical Letter: Tolkien expressed his admiration for Baynes’ work in a letter dated June 4, 1949:
“Dear Miss Baynes, I ought to have written to you before to tell you of the great pleasure that your drawings in illustration of ‘Farmer Giles’ have given me. My friends, very justly, said after seeing them that they had reduced the text to a commentary on the pictures… What little value this rather slender ‘squib’ has is much enhanced by your work. I am hoping soon to get some larger works published, and in a more ample fashion; and if so, I hope you might be interested… Yours sincerely, J.R.R. Tolkien.”

Illustrations: C.S. Lewis, one of Tolkien’s closest friends, admired Baynes’ work in “Farmer Giles of Ham” and chose her to illustrate the first book in his “Narnia” series later that same year. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Baynes’ career and set a high standard for illustrated fantasy literature.

The Story: “Farmer Giles of Ham” is a humourous tale set in a fictional medieval England. The story follows Farmer Giles, an unassuming and somewhat lazy man who unexpectedly becomes a hero. When a giant accidentally stumbles into his fields, Giles manages to scare it away using an old blunderbuss. His newfound fame leads to greater challenges when a dragon named Chrysophylax Dives appears. Giles is reluctantly propelled into an adventure, armed with a talking sword named Caudimordax and accompanied by his faithful dog, Garm.

The narrative explores themes of courage, luck, and the power of ordinary individuals to achieve great deeds. It is imbued with Tolkien’s signature wit and charm, making it a delightful read for both children and adults. The rich illustrations by Pauline Baynes enhance the story, bringing Tolkien’s whimsical world to life.

Condition:

• Binding: Nice and tight, with a very slight forward lean.
• Pages and Illustrations: Nice and clean.
• Boards: Slightly dusty, marked, and rubbed but generally nice and bright.
• Dustwrapper: Supplied. Very good indeed, slightly nicked, chipped, rubbed, and price-clipped, with short closed tears to the front and rear panels.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: First edition of Tolkien’s work illustrated by Pauline Baynes, signed and dated by the illustrator.
• Original Illustrations: This book is the first of Tolkien’s works to be illustrated by Baynes.
• Collector’s Item: A rare and highly sought-after signed edition in remarkable condition.
• Condition Details: Exceptionally scarce signed and in a lovely and clean first-issue supplied dustwrapper. A superior copy.

Why Collect This Edition? Owning this signed first edition of “Farmer Giles of Ham” is akin to holding a piece of literary and artistic history. Its rarity and excellent condition make it a significant addition to any fine collection of classic literature and illustration.

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