The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien – 1966 | US 40th Printing, DJ, Maps

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien follows Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit enlisted to join a quest filled with dragons, dwarves, and danger. The story’s impact on the genres of modern fantasy and children’s literature is not to be overlooked, with W.H. Auden dubbing it “one of the best children’s stories of this century.” Tolkien drew inspiration from Norse and Germanic myth, such as Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung, with various creatures and heroic themes mirrored in many modern tales. The story’s popularity has not waned since its publication and has been adapted many times for film, stage, and even video game console. This American early printing features ten illustrations drawn by Tolkien himself, including Thror’s map and that of the Wilderland.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Illustrator: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Publisher: Boston, Cambridge: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Edition: 1966, 40th printing
• Binding: Light green cloth
• Format: Octavo (8vo), single volume
• Size: ~ 8.25 in x 5.75 in (21 cm x 14.5 cm)
• Collation: 317, [3] pp
• Illustrations: 10 illustrations including maps
• Contents Include:
  • Full text of The Hobbit
• Provenance: Ex-library stamp of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Public Library

Condition:

Very Good. The cloth binding shows slight discoloration and staining, but hardly any wear to the boards or spine. The hinges and text block are intact and secure. The pages are clean and free of foxing. The original dust jacket is included in Good condition, price-clipped, showing a couple small tears, moderate edgewear, and some staining to the front panel.

Why Collect This?

• Early American printing during Tolkien’s lifetime
• Includes all maps and illustrations by the author
• For collectors seeking first editions of Tolkien’s work

Item Number: #31296