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De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover
#clp1210 - De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover - 365 EUR

Used first impression of the Dutch translation of The Hobbit.

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De Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien – Dutch First Edition, Prisma-Boeken 1960, 1st Printing


Iconic Dutch first paperback edition of De Hobbit, 1960, with the famed bright pink Cees Kelfkens cover and complete with both maps.



Published by Prisma-Boeken (Het Spectrum), Utrecht/Antwerpen, 1960. The true first Dutch paperback edition of The Hobbit, here in its first printing. Translated into Dutch by Max Schuchart, with the much-loved modernist cover illustration by Cees Kelfkens – a design that has become a classic in its own right among international Tolkien collectors.

This copy retains the original pink wrapper showing Bilbo and the dwarves in Kelfkens’ distinctive, whimsical style. The copyright page lists © 1960 by Het Spectrum with no later printings indicated, confirming this as the first impression of the Prisma edition.

Bibliographical details:
– Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
– Title: De Hobbit
– Translator: Max Schuchart
– Publisher: Prisma-Boeken (Het Spectrum), Utrecht/Antwerpen
– Year: 1960
– Format: Paperback, Prisma pocket, ca. 18 x 11 cm
– Pagination: 226 pages + publisher’s adverts
– Maps: Thror’s Map and the Map of Wilderland, both present and printed in black across two facing pages
– Series: Prisma-Boeken, no. 529 (first Dutch paperback edition of The Hobbit)

Condition report:
Overall a very presentable and solid example of this fragile first printing, showing honest wear but with all text and maps complete.

Cover:
The front cover retains strong, unfaded pink colouring and the artwork remains sharp and attractive. There is a diagonal reading crease running across the front panel together with a few shorter surface creases and light rubbing around the edges and corners. Spine shows typical vertical reading creases, rubbing along the hinges, and minor wear at the head and tail, but remains complete with no splits. The back cover is clean, with a few small edge rubs and corner wear but no tears or major losses.

Interior:
The text block is complete and firmly bound, with only a slight spine lean as usual for this edition. Paper stock has tanned evenly throughout, as is characteristic of Prisma paperbacks, but the pages remain flexible and entirely legible, without brittle chipping. Both maps – Thror’s Map and the Map of Wilderland – are present, well-printed, and free from tears. At the front a contemporary gift inscription in ink is present, dated May 1961, adding a nice period touch; no other underlining or annotations noted in the text. Final pages include advertisements for other Prisma titles, including the first Dutch edition of In de ban van de ring.

Summary:
A desirable first printing of De Hobbit, the 1960 Dutch paperback that introduced generations of Dutch readers to Tolkien’s Middle-earth, in better-than-average condition for a much-read pocket edition. Complete, structurally sound, with both maps intact and the iconic Cees Kelfkens cover still bright "Prisma pink".

A charming and important cornerstone for any collection of Dutch Tolkien editions or international Hobbit translations.

Pictures (click to enlarge):
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 1
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 2
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 3
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 4
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 5
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 6
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 7
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 8
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 9
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 10
De Hobbit – Dutch First Edition 1960, Prisma-Boeken – Cees Kelfkens Cover 11
 
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