The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Twelfth Impression, 1961.

A Collectible 1961 Twelfth Impression of The Hobbit, Published by George Allen & Unwin.

A highly sought-after early printing of The Hobbit, featuring Tolkien’s iconic dust jacket design and original illustrations. This twelfth impression of the second edition, published in 1961, retains its charm despite some signs of wear. A fine addition to any Tolkien collection.

This 1961 twelfth impression of The Hobbit is bound in the characteristic green cloth boards with Tolkien’s dragon motif and black lettering on the spine and front cover. The book retains its original dust jacket, featuring Tolkien’s striking artwork in green, blue, black, and white.

Condition:
- Dust Jacket: The jacket remains largely intact but has noticeable wear. There are small chips missing along the edges, particularly at the corners and the top and bottom of the spine. A small tear is present on the rear panel near the spine fold. Some minor creasing and edgewear are visible. The colors remain vibrant, though there is mild toning, most apparent along the spine.
- Book Boards: The green cloth boards are in good condition with some fading, particularly along the spine where the color has slightly dulled. The black lettering and dragon motif remain clear and well-defined. There is light rubbing to the edges and corners.
- Binding: The book is solidly bound, with no loose pages or splitting at the hinges. The spine is firm and maintains its shape well.
- Interior Pages: The text block is clean, with no inscriptions or major marks. The paper has a slight natural aging tone but remains bright overall. No significant foxing or spotting was observed within the main text.
- Maps: The book contains Tolkien’s signature maps on the endpapers. The front map has some handwritten markings and annotations, and there are some visible stains. The rear map appears to be in better condition but exhibits some light foxing or discoloration.

Despite its signs of wear, this remains a well-preserved copy of an early edition of The Hobbit. The presence of the original dust jacket, along with its strong binding and overall clean pages, makes it a desirable copy for collectors.

An opportunity to own a collectible early impression of The Hobbit, featuring Tolkien’s stunning design and artwork.

All maps are present.

Digital photos available upon request.

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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.