The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937.
This is the Second impression printed in December of 1937, same year as the 1st impression.

Decorative map endpapers, 4 color and 9 mono plates.
The second impression is important for the addition of the 4 color illustrations by the author.

This is the only early UK edition published with tolkien's color illustrations.
One of only 1877 copies of the original 2300 that survived the bombing of London in November 1940.

This copy has a small previous owner name on first blank page, no other writing or inscriptions.
Pages are clean and bright, with a few random pages showing some scattered bits of foxing.
The boards show only light rubbing, with no wear to the ends of the spine or bottoms of the boards.
A slight spine slant to the book.
The original green topstain is still evident though slightly faded and dusty.
A very nice copy in publishers green cloth, with authors dark blue dragon and mountain wraparound design to boards.
Small Bristol book store label on bottom of front map.
Scarce original dustjacket, unrestored, not price clipped and stated 2nd impression on inside flap.
Very rare to find one in its original jacket, in any condition.
The dustjacket shows moderate wear to the edges, with a large chip (approx 3/4") out of the top of the rear flap fold area, some loss to the top of spine (small attempt at a tape repair or reinforcement) and a few small closed tears scattered around the edges and folds.

A fabulous copy of this wonderful edition, housed in a custom clamshell case.


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.