The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - First Edition, Second Impression (1937) with Original Dust Jacket.

Rare first edition, second impression (1937) of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, featuring the original dust jacket and illustrations by the author. In very good condition with minor foxing and a tight binding. A must-have for Tolkien collectors.

The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
First Edition, Second Impression (1937)
Published by George Allen & Unwin, London
Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien

Rare Collectible Second Impression of The Hobbit - Featuring Tolkien’s Illustrations and Original Artwork.

This is a beautiful first edition, second impression (1937) copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, complete with its original dust jacket. The book is bound in green cloth featuring the iconic black illustration of Smaug by Tolkien himself. This edition is particularly rare, as only 1,900 copies were bound, with 423 additional copies lost in a warehouse fire in 1940.

The dust jacket is in very good condition, retaining its vibrant colors and iconic design, as seen in the detailed images provided. There are small signs of wear and minor foxing, primarily on the spine, edges, and flap folds, but the overall structure is intact. There is a slight price clipping on the flap, but no significant tears or damage. The artwork remains bright, and the details are well-preserved, making it a standout piece for any collector.

The green cloth cover, featuring Tolkien’s illustration of Smaug, is in excellent condition with only minor shelf wear on the corners and edges. The spine remains firm and clean, with the gold lettering still sharp and legible. There are very few small foxing spots on some pages (specifically noted on the content page, page of illustrations, and pages 12, 59, and 144-146), but these are minimal and do not detract from the book’s overall quality. The text block is clean, and the pages remain crisp and bright.

The binding is tight and in excellent condition. There is a slight relaxation at page 65, which is not unusual for books of this age, and does not impact the integrity of the book. All pages are securely attached with no looseness or splitting in the binding.

This second impression edition features four color illustrations, along with eight black-and-white illustrations by Tolkien, making it even more unique. The map of Mirkwood and Wilderland is intact and well-preserved, showcasing Tolkien’s intricate artistry.

A very small sticker from a previous bookseller is present at the bottom of the front map, adding a touch of provenance.
The endpapers are in good condition, with minimal signs of age. The overall internal condition of the book is impressive, with illustrations remaining vivid and text sharp.

This second impression is highly sought after, as it marks an early example of Tolkien’s work just months after the first impression was published. It includes the original version of Bilbo’s adventure before any textual changes were made in later editions. The inclusion of Tolkien’s color illustrations, alongside his black-and-white drawings, makes this edition an exceptional and rare find.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a very well-preserved early edition of one of the most beloved fantasy novels in history, with its original dust jacket and Tolkien’s enchanting illustrations. This edition represents a significant piece of literary history and is a true gem for collectors.

A rare chance to own a piece of Tolkien’s legacy, complete with original artwork and in remarkable condition.

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.