J.R.R. Tolkien The Hobbit Vinyl Box Set Nicol Williamson Argo Stereo w/ Booklet
$
125
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Description
This is what the App "RecordScout: Vinyl Price Scan" had to say about this record:
This 1974 release features a dramatic narration of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy novel, 'The Hobbit, performed by the acclaimed British actor Nicol Williamson. Released on the prestigious Argo label, a subsidiary of Decca known for high-quality spoken word and classical recordings, the production was adapted and produced by Harley Usill. This specific disc, catalog number ZPL 1196, captures the opening chapters including 'An Unexpected Party' and 'Roast Mutton.' The recording is celebrated for Williamson's versatile vocal performance, bringing distinct, gravelly voices to the various characters of Middle-earth. As a significant piece of Tolkien media history, it represents the peak of the mid-20th-century tradition of high-fidelity literary adaptations for the home listener.
Collectors highly value this UK pressing for its superior audio fidelity, a hallmark of Decca's pressing plants during the 1970s. Key identifiers include the purple Argo label with silver text and the 'Made in England' credit at the top of the label. The runout matrix 'ZRG-4113-3A' confirms its early production status and link to the original master tapes. While originally part of a multi-LP box set, individual discs are sought after by Tolkien enthusiasts and spoken-word collectors alike. The presence of the secondary catalog number ZRG.4113 in brackets on the label is a specific indicator of this particular issue's place in the Argo catalog hierarchy.
The Grading was "Very Good Plus"
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