Roverandom - Softcover

Tolkien, J. R. R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007149115 ISBN 13: 9780007149117

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2002

Synopsis

For the first time in A-format paperback, J.R.R. Tolkien’s novella about the adventures of a bewitched toy dog

While on holiday in 1925, four-year-old Michael Tolkien lost his beloved toy dog on the beach at Filey in Yorkshire. To console him, his father, J.R.R.Tolkien, improvised a story about Rover, a real dog who is magically transformed into a toy and is forced to seek out the wizard who wronged him in order to be returned to normal.

This charming tale, peopled by a sand-sorcerer and a terrible dragon, by the king of the sea and the Man-in-the-Moon, went through several drafts over the years. Now, more than 70 years on, the adventures of Rover – or, for reasons that become clear in the story, ‘Roverandom’ – are published in A format for the first time. Rich in wit and wordplay, Roverandom is edited and introduced by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond and includes Tolkien’s own delightful illustrations.

About this title

About the Author

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 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

From the Back Cover

A classic children's story by the author of
THE HOBBIT

'Rover should never have bitten the magician's trousers. His punishment was to be transformed into a toy, and now he is forced to track down the magician so he can be returned to normal. His adventures will take him to the moon and under the sea, introducing him to many fabulous – and dangerous – creatures.'

Inspired by the loss of his own child's favourite toy, this charming tale was written by J.R.R. Tolkien long before 'The Hobbit', yet remained unpublished for more than 70 years. This new paperback edition includes a full introduction and detailed notes about the story.

"This is an old-fashioned story, yet it still speaks freshly today…would leap to life when read aloud to a child."
'Independent'

"'Lord of the Rings' buffs will enjoy picking out bits of Nordic mythology and will relish Tolkien's fabulous sense of landscape."
'The Times'

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0007149115
• ISBN 13: 9780007149117
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144