#000907 - The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, 1st Impression of 2nd US Edition, 1951 5th Impression in Dustjacket - sold

The Hobbit or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A superb copy of an early printing of The Hobbit.
The 1951, 5th overall printing, or the 1st printing of the 2nd Edition (1951).

A Near Fine/Very Good Plus book, with a Very Good Plus/Near Fine dustjacket.

The dustjacket shows beautifully, with only minor loss at the tips of the folds and edges.
A few minor closed tears to the edges. The 5th impression dustjacket is original to the book, and has protected it well over the years.
It is not price clipped, but show's no US or UK price. It is not stated as the 5th impression on the dustjacket, but is the 1st state with the Houghton Mifflin printed on the spine, no pricing, and the blurbs match the UK 5th impression, marked 'Printed in Great Britain's on the back flap.

One of the original 1000 printed for the US and bound from November 1950 thru March 1953 (per Hammond and Anderson). The text block is clean and bright, with some foxing to the preliminary pages and maps. This copy is bound in the green colored original cloth featuring Tolkiens original Mountains and Dragon design stamped in dark blue, same layout as the UK publisher, Allen & Unwin had used since the original publication in 1937. This is the only impression of the US 1st or 2nd Edition that features the original Mountain and Dragon design for the cover's. Shows no shelf wear or rubbing, some light soiling and foxing, but no bumped corners.

A beautiful clean bright copy, with only a couple of tiny spots to the cloth. The top edge still has the green topstain, only slightly marked or faded. 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 endpapers, with some foxing. No other writing or marks.

A beautiful copy, virtually faultless besides the foxing, scarce in the original dustjacket in any condition, let alone the 1st state of the book and dustjacket.

A custom slipcase is being prepared to protect and show this classic.
The first to incorporate the changes to help conform the tale of The Hobbit to the 'Lord of the Rings' story line.

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.

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.