The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien - 1st Edition

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien George Allen Unwin, 1946 – First Edition, Fourth Impression

This is an extremely rare and unread condition copy of the fourth impression of The Hobbit, published in 1946. The book is in incredible condition for its age. The binding is tight, pages are clean and crisp, and the cloth boards are in very good condition.

This 1946 fourth impression is the final printing of the original 1937 first edition text, before Tolkien revised the story to align with The Lord of the Rings in later editions. As such, it preserves the original narrative, including early elements that were later changed or removed.

These early impressions are becoming increasingly rare, not only due to age but because they were printed on war economy standard paper, which was thinner, more fragile, and prone to wear. Finding a copy in unread condition with its dust jacket intact is incredibly uncommon.

The original dust jacket is present and in reasonable condition, price clipped but unrestored, with some edge wear as typical for a jacket of this age.

This book has been verified by TolkienBooks.net as an authentic first edition, fourth impression.

Serious Tolkien collectors will know that unread early impressions of The Hobbit with the original jacket are exceptionally rare. A similar 1st edition recently made headlines in the UK for selling at auction for around NZD $97,000, without a dust jacket.

While this is the 4th impression (not 1st), it is still an important and highly desirable collector’s item. Copies in this condition (any condition) are seldom seen in the New Zealand market.

To ensure this rare item arrives safely, I will personally deliver it at no extra cost. This guarantees safe handling and peace of mind for both buyer and seller.

Any questions are welcome.