The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – First Edition, First Impression (1937)

A True First Printing of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937

An exceptional and rare first edition, first impression of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the novel that introduced Middle-earth to the world.

A rare and highly desirable first edition, first impression of The Hobbit, published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937. One of only 1,500 copies printed. Bound in the publisher’s original green cloth with Tolkien’s Mountains and Dragon motif stamped in blue to the front and rear boards, as well as to the spine. This copy is preserved in its original state without any signs of restoration.

The green cloth shows general wear, with some fading and minor discoloration. The spine is slightly darkened, and the cloth exhibits minor rubbing along the edges. The corners are gently bumped, and the lower edge of the front board has a small area of wear. The blue decoration and lettering remain visible, though the spine’s stamping is slightly dulled with age. The cloth shows minor handling marks, but no major stains or significant damage is evident.

The endpapers feature Tolkien’s signature maps, with Thror’s Map at the front and Wilderland at the rear. The maps are clean and remain well-preserved, with no inscriptions, writing, or marks. The inner hinges are firm, with no splitting or weakness visible. The book maintains a strong and tight binding, with no loose or detached pages.

The pages are remarkably clean for a book of this age. There is mild toning consistent with age, but no significant foxing or staining is present. The text is crisp and legible throughout. The book retains all ten of Tolkien’s black-and-white illustrations, including the frontispiece The Hill: Hobbiton across the Water. The illustrations remain clear and well-defined. No pencil corrections, owner inscriptions, or library markings were observed.

The fore-edge and bottom edge show natural age toning but remain clean overall. No signs of water damage or restoration were detected.

An authentic first impression of The Hobbit, in its original cloth binding. A well-preserved copy with strong appeal for collectors and Tolkien enthusiasts.

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping.  Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.