The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien – Puffin Books 1961, First Paperback Edition

The desirable first paperback edition of The Hobbit, published by Puffin Books in 1961, featuring the iconic wraparound cover illustration by Pauline Baynes.

Published by Penguin / Puffin Books in 1961, this is the true first paperback appearance of Tolkien’s classic. The vivid Baynes artwork – showing Bilbo and the Dwarves travelling along a mountainside beneath a dark, brooding sky – has become one of the most recognisable early paperback designs associated with Middle-earth.

This copy shows the expected signs of age typical for the edition: moderate rubbing around the edges and hinges, with some wear at the spine extremities and corner tips. The spine panel retains its illustration and lettering but is noticeably darkened and rubbed, with small surface creases along its length. The rear panel is complete and unfaded, though with several small marks and handling wear.

Interior:
The text block is complete and firmly attached, though the paper stock has uniformly browned throughout, as is standard for Puffin production of the period. Both maps – Thror’s Map and the Map of Wilderland – are present and still clearly printed. There is scattered foxing on the first few and final pages, including a heavier concentration on the inside of the front cover and the half-title. An old ownership inscription (“Ex Libris Juliet Hearn”) appears on the inside cover. Despite the age-toning, the text remains fully legible and the binding, while naturally fragile, is holding well.

Bibliographical details:
– Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
– Title: The Hobbit or There and Back Again
– Publisher: Puffin Books (Penguin Books Ltd.)
– Year: 1961
– Series: Puffin Books no. PS 161
– Format: Paperback, 278 pp.
– Cover artist: Pauline Baynes
– Maps: Thror’s Map (pp. 6–7) and Map of Wilderland (pp. 8–9)

Summary:
A complete and attractive example of the scarce first Puffin paperback edition of The Hobbit. While showing the typical wear and age-toning associated with this fragile production, it remains an appealing and collectible copy, with both maps present, the Baynes cover bright, and the text fully intact.

Offered here at an appropriate and fair price for its condition and scarcity.

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