A fantastic copy of an early printing of The Hobbit. The 1954, 6th overall printing, or the 2nd printing of the 2nd Edition (1951).

A Very Good Plus copy in like condition original dustjacket designed by Tolkien, as found on the original UK Editions. Stated 6th printing on front flap, not price clipped, noted as printed in Great Britain, this is one of the two jackets that note "In Preparation" above "The Lord of the Rings" on the back flap. Only the 1st and 2nd printings of the 2nd edtion have this notation.

One of probably only 1000 imported from Allen & Unwin, lacking the printing history on title verso, to help them circumvent the import restrictions and US copyright laws.

The text block is clean and bright, bound in the teal colored original cloth from the publisher. Show very little shelf wear, slight rubbing at the folds, no soiling to note, or bumped corners. Features the title, dwarves hat, author, and publisher stamped on the spine in blue. Front boards have "The Hobbit" stamped in blue as well. Contains the full color frontispiece "The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the Water", as well as the original line drawings by Tolkien. The maps are in excellent condition, red and black ink still show clear and bright against the unfoxed endpapers. No previous owners names or any other writing.

The dustjacket shows the smallest amount of wear to the top of the spine, and the folds at the flaps have the smallest of chips, none larger that 2 or 3 mm. One closed tear in the middle of the rear flap fold, almost unnoticeable. The jacket shows a light amount of soiling in the white sections, and the spine is lightly tanned.

Overall a beautiful copy, scarce in original dustjacket in this condition. Also included is the original Time magazine review of the Fellowship of the Ring, dated November 22, 1954, the previous owner had cut, folded and laid in the book. A very interesting review, titled 'Frodo at Fifty', in the category 'Wierdies'.

Digital photo's available, inquire if interested.  
Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.