Smith of Wootton Major — First Edition, First Impression (1967)

Smith of Wootton Major by J.R.R. Tolkien.
George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London, 1967.

First Edition, First Impression — First State binding.

This is the true first appearance in book form of Tolkien’s short story Smith of Wootton Major, first published in Great Britain on 9 November 1967. The story was swiftly followed by its American appearance in Redbook magazine later that same month.

The sheets of the First Impression were bound in at least two batches using slightly different case designs. This example is the earlier and preferred first state, with a solid black background to the binding (without the later white borders to the top and bottom edges and spine).

Illustrated by Pauline Baynes.

The imprint page (as photographed) reads:
First Published in 1967.
© George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1967.
Printed in Great Britain in 11 point Garamond type by Unwin Brothers Ltd, Woking and London.
No ISBN issued (as correct for the 1967 first edition).

Condition:
A clean and well-preserved example. Binding remains firm and square. Pages are clean, with no ownership inscriptions visible in the photographed pages. Minor natural toning to the paper, as expected for the period. Any light handling or age-related marks are best judged from the detailed photographs provided.

A desirable copy of Tolkien’s classic late fairy-tale, in the correct first state of the first edition.

Photographs shown are of the exact copy offered.

Other Tolkien books available, including UK and US first editions, original cloth bindings, signed copies, and limited editions.

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.