Mr Bliss: erratic driver, owner of exotic pets and wearer of extremely tall hats. One of Tolkien's lesser-known creations, 'Mr Bliss' has the magical ability to be fun for everyone. Children will be amused by the slapstick adventures of a man and his new car, as well as by the other vivid and memorable characters, such as the Three Bears and the very fat Fatty Dorkins; adults will enjoy the more subtle Edward-Lear-style nonsensical jokes. This hard-to-find edition, with Tolkien's original handwritten story and drawings as well as the typeset text, is especially appropriate for Tolkien enthusiasts.
The rarity of the book does, however, lead to a hefty price tag. For die-hard Tolkien fans, it's almost certainly worth paying; for those looking for a nice cheap picture book for their children to drop in the bath, this may not be the ideal choice. Nonetheless, an opportunity to acquire it at an affordable price should not be passed over, and those who do decide to buy it will be rewarded with a understated gem by one of Britain's most celebrated authors.