Rare 1956 8th Impression of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – Houghton Mifflin Edition

A Highly Collectible Early Printing of a Classic Fantasy Masterpiece

For sale is a scarce 8th impression (1956) of The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Houghton Mifflin using sheets imported from the UK publisher, George Allen & Unwin. This edition retains the iconic dust jacket featuring Tolkien’s original Mountains and Dragon design.

This copy is a stated 8th impression on the front flap of the dust jacket, which is not price-clipped and was printed in Great Britain, as noted on the title verso. Houghton Mifflin imported a limited number of copies, likely around 1,000 copies, to circumvent US copyright restrictions at the time.

The original dust jacket is present but in worn condition, with notable tears, creases, and missing portions, particularly along the spine and edges. The colors remain vibrant, and the runic border is still well-preserved despite the wear.
The book is bound in the original brown cloth with blue-stamped titles on the spine and front cover. The cloth is in good condition, with only minor signs of wear and shelf rubbing.
The text block is clean and free of foxing, with crisp, legible text and no major stains or damage. Some pencil writing insided.
Both Thror’s Map (front endpaper) and the Map of Wilderland (rear endpaper) are intact and in good condition. The front map has a small handwritten inscription, adding a unique personal touch to this collectible copy.

No major defects, with only light handling wear. There are no missing or loose pages.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors.

This early printing of The Hobbit remains highly sought after, particularly with its original dust jacket, even in worn condition. The import history and scarcity of the Houghton Mifflin editions add to its collectible value.

All serious inquiries are welcome. Additional high-resolution photos are available upon request.

A must-have for any serious Tolkien collector.

Digital photos available, inquire if interested.

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.