The Hobbit – First American Edition, Early State – With Original Dust Jacket

A Rare Early Edition of Tolkien’s Classic

This is an early state of the first American edition of The Hobbit, published by Houghton Mifflin in 1938. The title page features the seated flautist emblem, distinguishing it from the earliest state, which had the bowing hobbit. The dust jacket is present, retaining the original decorative elements, though showing wear. This edition includes Tolkien’s four color plates and nine black-and-white illustrations, preserving the unique visual charm of the book’s earliest printings.

First American Edition, Early State
Title page: Seated flautist emblem present, confirming a later early state.
Maps: Pasted down, consistent with early states of this edition.
Condition: The beige cloth boards are well-preserved with only minor toning. The blue lettering and red dragon motif remain clear. The pages show expected age-related toning but remain clean and intact. The maps at the endpapers are correctly positioned, as per early American printings. The dust jacket, while present, shows significant wear, including edge chipping, creasing, and some loss to the spine. The original $2.50 price is visible.

This edition represents an important moment in Tolkien’s publishing history, as The Hobbit made its way to an American audience. The presence of the dust jacket, even in worn condition, enhances its collectibility. This is an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking an early state of this beloved fantasy classic.

A Beautiful and Collectible Copy

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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.