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J. R. R. Tolkien. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again....
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Sold on May 13, 2026 for:
$100,000.00
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Description
THE HOBBIT, INSCRIBED TO A MEMBER OF THE TOLKIEN HOUSEHOLD
J. R. R. Tolkien. The Hobbit, or There and Back
Again. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, [1937].8vo. Frontispiece and three inserted color plates by the author, inserted half-tone plate by the author, eight text illustrations by the author, integral advertisement leaf at end. Publisher's green cloth decoratively stamped in blue, off-white endpapers printed with Thror's map and a map of Wilderland after drawings by the author, top edge stained green; original pictorial dust jacket after drawing by the author.
FIRST EDITION, second impression. EARLY PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO THE FAMILY HOUSEKEEPER AT CHRISTMASTIME on an early flyleaf: "Phoebe Coles / from the author / Christmas 1937 / J. R. R. Tolkien."
The first impression of The Hobbit was sold out by 15 December 1937, and a reprint was hurried through the press. The second impression was ready by 19 December 1937, though the official publication of the second impression was not until 25 January 1938. Hammond and Anderson report that 2,300 copies of the second impression were printed, though bound through November 1940. More than 400 copies of the second impression were lost in the bombing of London on 7 November 1940. Four color plates, originally commissioned for the first American edition, were added to the second impression.
Condition: Spine a little leaned; minor soiling to cloth; a few pale spots to text and textblock edges. Dust jacket unclipped (priced "7s. 6d. net"); front panel expertly reattached on verso at spine fold; chipped with losses at head of spine panel and on rear panel near flap folds; front flap fold only just starting; jacket evenly toned and with pale spots; some edgewear with other small chips and short tears; spine panel only lightly toned; lightly rubbed at folds. Despite chips, a generally bright copy.
References: Currey, p. 476; Hammond & Anderson A3a (and see p. 15 for second impression).
Provenance: Phoebe Coles (presentation inscription). From the collection of David Aronovitz.
Auction Info
2026 May 13 The David Aronovitz Collection of Important Science Fiction and Fantasy, Part I Rare Books Signature® Auction #6336 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2026
13th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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