The Hobbit, George Allen & Unwin, 1937 1st UK Edition 2nd impression.

Second impression of the first edition of The Hobbit, published in 1937 with four color illustrations by Tolkien.

The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
1st Edition, 2nd Impression – 1937
George Allen & Unwin, London
Hardback in dustwrapper
Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien
Hammond Page Ref.: pp.4-16

This is the second impression of the first edition of The Hobbit, originally published in 1937. Notably, this edition includes four color illustrations, in addition to the standard eight black-and-white illustrations. The black-and-white version of "The Hill" was removed from this and later printings, replaced by color plates. On of the 1900 copies bound. An additional 423 unbound copies were destroyed in a warehouse fire in November 1940.

The book is bound in its original green cloth with the dragon design stamped in black on the covers, as illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien. The binding shows signs of significant wear with notable splits along the spine and frayed corners. The cloth itself is stained and worn, and there are visible signs of aging across the cover.

Inside, Thror's map and the map of Wilderland are still present on the endpapers. However, the pages throughout the book exhibit stains and dirt. One page, the colored illustration plate 'Bilbo Comes to the Huts of the Raft Elves', facing page 192, is loose. On page 177, someone coloured a part of the illustration "The Elvenking's Gate" with colour pencils. These defects reflect its long history and handling. The text block is intact, but there is visible wear, with occasional marks and discoloration scattered throughout.

This particular copy shows its age, and the overall condition would be considered fair at best. Despite these issues, this book remains a highly sought-after collectible, representing one of the earlier printings of The Hobbit, produced before the destruction of many copies during World War II.

A highly collectible copy for Tolkien enthusiasts and a rare opportunity to own a piece of literary history.

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